Portland fire service receives much-needed equipment for hurricane season
The Port Antonio fire service has received a power saw and a pump from the Jamaica National Foundation, valued at $230,000, to assist in mitigation procedures during rescue operations.
The gift comes just in time for the start of the 2013 hurricane season, which promises to be an extremely active one.
Hilret Hanson of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Executive Branch Operations said the institution is committed to the communities it serves.
“We hope that the fire service is going to benefit from this donation and will find it very useful, especially coming up in this hurricane season,” Hanson said.
In accepting the gift, Deputy Superintendent Lewiston Gooden of the Portland Fire department said this will help them be more prepared for any eventualities.
He added further that the contribution will, no doubt, make their work a little lighter, a little easier and maybe a little more pleasurable, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.
“I remembered last hurricane season, while trying to clear the road the power saw wasn’t working so well. Come this hurricane season we are better prepared and will be able to carry out our duties more effectively and efficiently” a beaming Gooden said.