Buy a plaque, save a life

It’s all smiles these days at the Hantsport fire station. Not only can members suit up in brand new bunker gear thanks to a recent Provincial Emergency Services Provider Fund grant, but there will soon be a shiny new rescue unit on site, as well.

Through the collective efforts of volunteer members, $3,000 has already been raised toward the remaining costs of the new vehicle, leaving only $57,000 to go.

That figure may seem high, but these are people used to taking risks. The “Buy a Plaque” campaign, members say, is a sure-fire bet on making the rescue vehicle a reality this year.

For $250 members of the business district or families can commission a granite 12x12-inch engraved plaque with their name and logo, or personal message or dedication. Individuals also have the opportunity to purchase an engraved brick at a lesser price, both of which will become permanent tributes at the station’s annex.

The original idea was adopted from a similar campaign in Kings County, which helped fund a new station for the Waterville and District Fire Department several years back.

Hantsport Fire Chief Paul Maynard thought it was a great way for members in his department to initiate their own fundraising efforts. “We felt that this was a small commitment to make by our members considering the support we have received from the town and provincial government grants.”

New rescue unit

The new rescue unit will be a one-ton, heavy-duty truck capable of hauling the department’s new zodiac, also funded by the Town of Hantsport and the Emergency Services Providers Fund.

“We recognized that we required a proper vehicle to tow this much larger vessel and decided to commence work on the procurement of a new rescue unit,” Maynard said.

As it stands now the department has to rely on a passenger van to haul equipment and personnel to fires. The new vehicle will enable the department to safely and efficiently transport firefighters and equipment to an emergency scene when time is off the essence.

Maynard noted that essential medical equipment, rapid intervention equipment and other additional fire suppression devices required at an emergency scene will be housed in the new rescue unit, as well. “This new unit will centralize the various equipment that is currently distributed between the other fire apparatus, which will save valuable time on an emergency call.”

At the end of the day, it comes down to enhanced quality of service for the citizens of Hantsport and everyone in the department's response area, he said.

The department also wants to take it easy on taxpayers’ wallets. In the upcoming fiscal year, the Hantsport fire department will be looking at a plan to replace one its aging pumpers.

Cost increases

Maynard said that new standards and safety features on fire apparatus have driven up the cost of these vehicles in the past few years. “Given the significant cost of a new pumper, our hope is to take away some of the burden on the taxpayers of our community by purchasing this rescue unit through our own fundraising efforts.”

Maynard said there has already been a tremendous response since flyers and letters introducing the campaign were distributed.

The Municipality of West Hants recently jumped on board with their own commitment to purchase a plaque. “We want to thank all the businesses and citizens who have already responded,” he said.

Organizers of this project are ways and means chairpersons Kerri Balsor and Alanna Maynard, who have spent a significant amount of their own personal time preparing and organizing the project. and whom Chief Maynard said deserve much praise and appreciation for their efforts.

Alanna Maynard said that so far a lot of individuals are purchasing bricks or plaques in memory of a loved one who has passed away or with engraved family names.

The deadline to buy into the campaign is the end of July. The department will work to spread the word and plug the idea throughout the summer months with a special display during the annual Canada Day celebrations in Hantsport.

To order a plaque or brick, contact the Town of Hantsport office at 684-3211 or any member of the Department at 684-3191.