Late-night shifts for the volunteers of one local fire department will no longer be so dark following the purchase of several lighting units.
PSEG Power NY’s Bethlehem Energy Center donated the funds to the Selkirk Fire Department just before Thanksgiving for the purchase of three portable generators with lighting units.
“We were happy to support our local firefighters so they can work safely in emergency conditions,” said BEC Plant Manager Bill Clancy. “Each year, we invite them to tour our station to get to know the facility in the event of an emergency and to foster a safe work environment.”
During emergency situations and nighttime calls, fire officials often found the lighting to be inadequate. Nancy Tucker-Datrio, a spokeswoman for PSEG Power NY, said the energy center was happy to help local firefighters in need.
The energy company donated nearly $6,000 to the Selkirk Fire Department for the purchase of the equipment. Bethlehem Energy Center is a natural gas power plant that is owned and operated by PSEG Power NY.
District Fire Chief Bill Asprion said the portable units will be used to help in efforts to fight brush and structural fires where electricity is not readily accessible. It will also help with search-and-rescue efforts in wilderness areas and pumping out water during large storms.
Selkirk Fire Department is made up of three fire companies with 75 volunteer members. The department serves 15,000 residents and businesses in a 32-mile radius.
“These units are critical to protecting the safety of our first responders. We are very fortunate that PSEG Power NY was so generous in their support,” said Asprion.