Chester Fire Department kicks off safety gear fund-raising

From left, Ben Whalen, firefighter and head of nonprofit  Yosemite Engine Co., One Credit Union President Jerry Cross, Chester Fire Department Chief Matt Wilson, and Michael Graham, branch manager of the Chester One office. Photo by Taylor Wilson.

© 2015 Telegraph Publishing LLC

The Chester Fire Department got a boost to its latest fund-raising efforts thanks to One Credit Union, which donated a total of $560 last week.

The corporation donated $500, while the Chester branch kicked in $60.

Fire Chief Matt Wilson said his department is working to raise $16,000 to purchase harnesses and bailout kits for all 20 company members.

Wilson said the harnesses are similar to what is used for repelling down mountains but are specifically created for firefighters and also are suitable for cliff and mountain rescue.

Firefighters’ bailout kits, Wilson said, clip to the harnesses and include fire-grade rope and a hook that can help the firefighter hook on to a wall stud or other fixed object and jump or slide to safety. He added that the kit includes descent controls that allow the operator to control the speed at which he drops.

Wilson said he hopes to have the firefighters equipped by Jan. 1, 2016.

Anyone wishing to help out can send donations to The Yosemite Engine Company at PO Box 631 Chester, VT 05143. If you want your donation to go specifically to this cause mark as “harness/bail out.”