From Amanda Daugherty, RCOES Administrative Assistant

Our department was recently awarded a $7,500 grant through Enbridge, Inc. Enbridge, North America’s largest infrastructure company, awarded the grant through their “Safe Community Grant
Program.” This grant supports first responders who safeguard the communities where the energy infrastructure company has a significant presence. “The safety of the communities near our projects and operations, and the people who live and work along our system, remain our highest priority,” said Art Haskins, manager of stakeholder engagement at Enbridge. “That’s why we’re proud to support the organizations that help keep communities safe.  We are honored to award this grant to Roane County EMA to further aid their mission of around-the-clock service to their community.”

The funding of this grant allowed our department to purchase a Blitzfire nozzle package and several gallons of Fireade foam. The Blitzfire is a water-driven turbine that allows for unmanned controlled attacks and is perfect for HazMat situations. Standard hoses omit 200 gallons of water per minute. With the Blitzfire omitting 500 gallons per minute, it allows for quicker fire attacks and control. During its first 2 weeks of being on the truck and inservice, it has already been used on several structure fires to help in a quicker, safer attack. The foam extinguishes multiple
classifications of fire in just one product, while increasing firefighter safety and providing quicker fire extinguishment.

We are thankful to Enbridge for awarding our department and our county this grant so that we can continue to provide the best service possible to our community.