CARIBOU, Maine — North Lakes Fire and Rescue has received a $10,000 grant in order to purchase ice/water rescue equipment and training.
Jesse Belanger, deputy chief with North Lakes Fire and Rescue, stated that water rescue is a critical need for the department’s unique coverage area. “The beautiful lakes in the North Lakes Fire coverage area attract many outdoor enthusiasts, and many recreational activities take place on these lakes during all four seasons,” he said. “There currently exists no equipment immediately available in our coverage area to safely perform water or ice rescues.”
The grant will assist the department with purchasing equipment, including inflatable rescue platforms, ice water rescue suits, rescue ropes and other necessary support equipment.
In addition to the equipment, North Lakes Fire and Rescue will be working closely with equipment manufacturers, the Maine Warden Service, and four department members who are Pro-Board certified Fire Service Instructors, to provide training to rescue crews.
North Lakes Fire and Rescue provides fire protection, fire prevention, vehicle extrication and rescue, snowmobile rescue and other services to the residents of Sinclair, Cross Lake Township, Madawaska Lake Township and the Square Lake Region. North Lakes operates from three regional substations with approximately 40 paid-per-call firefighters on staff.
For more information on North Lakes Fire and Rescue, visit www.northlakesfire.org or find them on Facebook.
