The Fire and Rescue Services have increased their response capabilities with the addition of two new Angus LW800 portable pumps. Photo: VIFRS

According the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, William Penn before the equipment was commissioned on October 26, 2011 a 25 hour run certification of the equipment was carried out and that the equipment continues to be used on a daily basis during training events.

Penn told the Department of Information and Public Relations that the pumps assists the department by providing access to water sources like cisterns, swimming pools and the ocean. It is also capable of pumping water over long distances and is very effective for sea firefighting.

He explained that identical pumps were successfully used during the October 2010 rains preventing the flooding of the Capoon’s Bay area. The pumps were also used to pump sea water for 24 hours continuously keeping the Electricity Cooperation’s Power Plant generators cooled which facilitated continued operations of the electrical infrastructure after Tropical Storm Irene on August 22, 2011.

Penn concluded by saying that the department is committed to continued advancement through training and sourcing of pertinent equipment to facilitate their mission of protecting life and property from the ravages of manmade and natural disasters.