Above and Beyond: Firefighters embrace Wag'n 02 Fur Life program

by Ray Pauley

Public Information Officer

Grand Island Fire Co.

Grand Island Fire Chief Kevin Koch reports that a group of concerned citizens recently donated several lifesaving rescue breathing units for family pets that have been overcome by smoke or noxious fumes during a fire emergency. These units will be placed on rescue and chiefs' vehicles along with other EMS equipment that is readily available to on-scene responders. Members of the Mayer, Kozlowski, and Maddi families took money out of their own pockets to purchase this specialized equipment for the Grand Island Fire Co. so that furry family members would have that extra chance for survival in any fire-related threat. Their exceptional personal motivation was inspired by the Wag'n 02 Fur Life LLC, an educational and public safety organization dedicated to providing pet oxygen masks to first-responders across North America to help them save animal lives following structural fires.

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Grand Island Fire Co. Chief Kevin Koch reports that the GIFC has been awarded a 2013 "Hands in the Community" contribution through the Mastantuono Allstate Agency. The $1,000 grant will be used to purchase a new Drager multigas meter, to replace an 8-year-old unit, which measures carbon monoxide, oxygen and hydrogen sulfide levels in the atmosphere.

Koch noted that the GIFC has responded to 22 CO calls during September, October and November of 2013, although this silent killer has caused no serious incapacities or fatalities during that period.

Koch commands the Mastantuono Agency for its longstanding commitment to the GIFC and its community protection goals.