The Independence Township Fire Department can breathe a little easier.
The Township Board approved its purchase of a new air compressor, which firefighters use to fill air tanks used in their self-contained breathing apparatus.
‘It’s a critical piece of equipment,? said Fire Chief Steve Ronk at the Feb. 6 regular meeting.
The new Breathing Air Systems compressor, tanks, and related equipment cost $50,921. It replaces two compressors, which were purchased in 1995 and 1997.
The new system includes a cascade system of storage tanks. They will be mounted on a fire truck for refilling firefighters? air tanks at the scene, rather than having to return to the station to refill from the compressor.
The department is looking to sell the old equipment, perhaps to a smaller department that doesn’t have any compressor at all, Ronk said.