By Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 News and the Local Journalism Initiative.

Cobourg Firefighters now have additional equipment to be more safe and efficient when responding to calls, following a donation from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada.

Over $32,000 was donated to the Fire Department to purchase seven additional fire-resistant jackets and pants and an ice water rescue suit. Cobourg Fire Chief Ellard Beavan explained the second set of gear will help decrease contaminants for firefighters, allowing them to respond to more calls.

“This is a significant donation to us. This is over $32,000. We bought lifesaving equipment with it,” said Beavan. “Seven sets of bunker gear. This ensures all our staff have a second set of gear. After they come back from a fire, they don't have to wear this gear that is contaminated, so they’re not exposed to those carcinogens.”

The ice water suit will permit rescues on Lake Ontario, as 300 feet of rope is also part of the package. Chief Ellard said his department conducts approximately five rescues per year on the lake. Cobourg Firehouse Subs franchise owner Pritvanti Patel said she is a huge supporter of first responders, adding this donation will ensure firefighters will have the equipment they need to save lives.

“The smaller items that fire departments, police departments and paramedics, they’re looking for that are not normally in their budget, this is kind of a cushion or gap that we want to fulfill. For smaller towns, whatever equipment they  are lacking, we will try our best to bring them money so they can save some lives,” Patel said.

Chief Ellard stated the equipment was purchased two months ago and is now in use.