SUMNER — The Sumner Volunteer Fire Department announced last week that the town has received a $2,000 grant awarded by the Maine Municipal Association to help replace aging air bottles.

Town Clerk Susan Runes and Sumner Volunteer Fire Department Safety Officer Kelly Stewart cooperated in writing the grant request that resulted in the $2,000 award. Stewart is married to SVFD Chief Bob Stewart.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Maine Department of Labor have strict regulations to protect the health and safety of firefighters.

The expense of complying with these regulations is easily covered in the budgets of big-city, full-time fire departments, but they are a heavy burden on small, rural volunteer units. Although the air tanks used by Sumner are fairly new, changed regulations are forcing the department to replace its 16 tanks with new ones costing $900 each, according to the Stewarts.

Sumner has a dedicated group of 13 volunteer firefighters who are supported by an active SVFD Auxiliary. The auxiliary raises funds for the fire department through Chinese auctions, town-wide tag sales and other means. Through their efforts Sumner recently dedicated a regulation helicopter pad for use by LifeFlight.

Chief Stewart said the department is always looking for new members to help protect the town. He said there is a real camaraderie among the firefighters and considers them Sumner’s finest. He invited residents to consider joining the force. While there is a job for everyone in the fire department, the auxiliary is also always looking for new members who may not feel ready to fight fires, direct traffic or respond to emergencies, but still want to support the department.

To learn more about the fire department and the auxiliary, call Stewart at 388-2222.

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