The federal Dept. of Homeland Security has awarded the Damariscotta Fire Dept. a $9514 grant to purchase a special machine to measure fitness.
The grant was announced last week by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine_ the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
Damariscotta Town Manager Greg Zinser said the machine would be used to test firefighters to make sure they are able to withstand the stress of their volunteer activities.
Collins said the grant would help provide Damariscotta first responders with equipment and training they need to better serve their community,
The Maine senator is a strong supporter of the federal FIRE Act Grant program which provides fiscal support to local fire agencies including purchasing new equipment and supporting additional training and safety programs.
