The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation continues its commitment to enhance first responder preparation, through its “Safety-It’s Worth the Energy” Grant Program. The company last week presented a $1,500 grant to the Merrill Fire Department, to enhance the Fire Department’s monitoring and detection equipment for use on emergency scenes.
Today, first-due fire apparatus often carry monitoring and detection equipment. The grant funds will be used to purchase a SENSIT GOLD G2 Monitor. This monitor will improve the existing detection and monitoring equipment carried on the Merrill Fire apparatus. This project will purchase a monitor that is the same monitor used by Wisconsin Public Service field crews. Modern technology has reduced the size, cost, and complexity of gas monitoring devices. The SENSIT GOLD G2 is ideal for natural gas or propane gas leak detection. This instrument can also be used for inert gas operations to detect combustible gases in oxygen-free environments.
When the Merrill Fire Department is notified of a reported natural gas leak, MFD requests WPS to the scene. The purchase of this monitor will allow the Merrill Fire Department to check and find the suspected leak with the same reliability and accuracy as WPS monitors. By having this monitor it will speed actions to mitigation of the hazard.
The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation is a private, charitable foundation funded by company shareholders and has no impact on electric and natural gas rates charged to customers. The Foundation is now in its 51st year of helping communities and organizations accomplish their goals of improving everyone’s quality of life.
The Merrill Fire Department provides fire protection to an area totaling 141 square miles. Areas include the City of Merrill and the neighboring three townships Of Merrill, Rock Falls and Scott. The Merrill Fire Department also provides Advanced Life Support EMS/Paramedic ambulance coverage for the southern 59% of Lincoln County. This area includes the City of Merrill and ten (10) surrounding Townships for a total of 528 square miles.