GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Green Bay Metro and Appleton Fire Departments were on the receiving end of $2,000 each in grant money to assist in the purchase of new lifesaving equipment.
On Thursday, the charitable foundations of Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) and We Energies unveiled critical safety tools for use by the stations’ firefighters as part of the Rewarding Responders Grant Program.
Since the program began in 2014, it has donated over $800,000 to more than 350 local police, fire, and emergency medical service agencies across the state to improve public safety efforts.
Green Bay Metro is using its funds to install four life preserver rings and holders in strategic locations near waterways, which can be easily accessed by first responders and community members in the event of an emergency.
“We’re a community that really enjoys our waterways and the recreational opportunities that this great city provides… but we also know the sad statistics that 3,000-4,000 people die as a result of drowning every year throughout the United States, and with that, about 65 people die annually in the state of Wisconsin,” said Green Bay Metro Fire Chief Matthew Knott.
“This allows bystanders, someone who witnesses somebody perhaps slide into the river, to provide a lifesaving tool that could be thrown to that individual to help them in their time of need,” Knott continued.
The Appleton Fire Department is employing its grant to purchase medical training equipment that will enhance its medical response capabilities to the highest level of pre-hospital care.
“Every day our firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics put to work their incredible skill sets to provide comfort to those in distress,” said Jeremy Hansen, Chief of the Appleton Fire Department.
Hansen said the new training equipment will help the department’s staff continue to hone and perfect their skills in order provide the most efficient and effective care to the Appleton community.
