Hamlin FD receives financial boost

Hamlin's volunteer fire fighters received a financial boost in the way of a $10,000 grant for the purchase of equipment and training materials.

State Senator George Maziarz presented the grant, which was sought by FD President Michael Gross, to the department on August 13 as part of the Hamlin Fireman's Carnival festivities.

John Deserto, a fireman who handles the department's public relations, said the department hasn't decided exactly what the grant money will be used to purchase.

"We just purchased a vehicle stabilization system for the heavy rescue truck and would like another one," he said. "We do need a new hydraulic rescue system, (similarly to a Jaws of Life). Another idea was to use the money to build a self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) training area in our training facility."

Deserto said all interior firefighters must be recertified annually on SCBAs and presently Hamlin firemen must travel to the SCBA maze at the county training facility on Scottsville Road or to Spencerport to train.

"Our training officer also wants some CDs , DVDs and textbooks that cover all aspects of the fire fighting," Deserto said.

Maziarz said it was important for his office to support the effort of this all volunteer fire department.

"Whether they're looking to buy equipment for use on-the-scene or behind the scenes, both are equally as important," he said. "Any purchase for training tools that they make will help improve their ability to respond."

Gross thanked Maziarz for the grant funds. "In the last two and a half years we've worked together to fund the building of an event/training building as well as this current grant for equipment and training and the department appreciates all that the senator has done for us."

The department is staffed by 50 volunteers. Visit the fire department's website www.hamlinfire.com for more information.