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MOLENA - The City of Molena recently donated new firefighting equipment to the Molena Fire Department. Donated items included a flat head axe, ten blue 11x17 tarps and seventeen Scott High Pressure Angled Cylinders for use by firefighters. The rental fee from Pike County that is paid to the City of Molena was used to fund the cost of these items that totalled nearly $9,800.
“The city of Molena is dedicated to our partnership and will make every effort to ensure that our Fire Department has the tools it needs to provide safe and effective fire protection in our area,” said Mayor Jay Garner. “The city sets aside all the funds from the rental fee to be spent specifically on fire department needs. Because these items have been purchased by the city for the Molena Fire Station, we request that these items stay here in Molena to benefit the community. Thank you for your efforts in providing this town and the surrounding community with fire protection services. You and those whom serve with you are greatly appreciated for all you do.”
Rick O'Barr, Chief of the Pike County Fire Department, said that the equipment is a welcome addition to the Molena Fire Department's equipment. “This donation by the city is great, and it’s good to have the resources we need,” said Chief O’Barr. “We thank the city of Molena for the equipment and we will have it on the trucks to help citizens in need. Hopefully in June, it will also help lower the ISO rating in the city below a 9 and below a 10 in the areas outside the city limits.”
Alex Leverett, Station 5 Captain, said that the new air packs were much needed and better than what is currently used by firefighters. The new air packs hold about 4,500 pounds of air--good for about 45 minutes--while the older ones will only hold about 2,200 pounds of air--good for about 15 to 20 minutes.
“It’s great the city has stepped up and purchased this new equipment for the fire department,” said Captain Leverett. “Fire equipment gets outdated rather quickly and these are much newer and you can see and feel the difference in the weight.”