Donations allow Bonners fire to buy equipment

The Bonners Ferry Fire Department received donations that helped them to purchase $9,000 worth of new equipment.

Trans Canada gave the department $4,000 according to Chief Pat Warkentin of the Bonners Ferry Fire Department.

Terry Wolverton supervisor of community relations for the western states region of Trans Canada helped make it possible.

Union Pacific Foundation also made a donation of $5,000 with the help of Dan Harbeke Director if Public Relations for the western region.

With this funding the department was able to purchase a FSG Elite XR Thermal Imaging camera. The thermal imaging cameras are used to scan buildings not only for hot spots or people inside, but later to ensure a fire is completely extinguished.

“We used it in a recent fire and we were able to determine the fire was in fact in the attic from using the thermal imaging camera,” said Warkentin.

The department was also able to purchase Advanced Rescue System vehicle stabilization rescue struts.  the struts are used to stabilize a vehicle when extrication is needed for victims involved in auto accidents.

“We appreciate the generous donation of funds made by Trans Canada and the Union Pacific Foundation that allowed us  to make these purchases,” said Warkentin.