Pakenham Fire Brigade has refurbished its crew transport unit into an operational breathing apparatus (BA) unit thanks to generous donations from the community.
More than $13,000 in accumulated community donations and a $3000 portable remote area LED lighting tool received through the CFA's District Pick List helped the brigade transform its transport unit into a more valuable resource.
The vehicle transformation will mean the unit can now transport a necessary breathing apparatus equipment to incidents as required.
Pakenham 1st Lieutenant Chris Poulton said the brigade currently has more than 20 volunteers trained to use breathing apparatus equipment at emergency incidents.
"MFI Pakenham, a local vehicle bodies design service, generously offered to help us by refurbishing the lights and adding the appropriate sirens on the vehicle," he said.
"We also added a fitted shelving unit inside the vehicle which holds 21 breathing apparatus cylinders and equipment necessary to operate a control point.
"The remote area lighting system will also be available when we respond the BA unit, which will help us illuminate extremely dark or hard to reach places with low visibility."
The brigade wished to improve its service to the community and in turn, alleviate some pressure on other brigades with breathing apparatus capacity in surrounding CFA Districts.
"A significant portion of our emergency responses are to structure fire incidents, which will mean we have increased capability on scene," Firefighter Poulton said.
"A number of our dedicated brigade members have put in a lot of time to help refurbish the unit, which will better our brigade's response into the future.
"We greatly appreciate the kind donations we have received from the community over the past couple of years, which has and will continue to boost our brigade's ability to protect lives and property."
