SALEM — A new vehicle has been donated to the Fire Department's fleet.
Fire Chief Kevin Breen announced the donation of a Gator at Monday night's selectmen meeting. The John Deere vehicle was offered to the department by the Arlington Pond Protective Association.
The Gator, slightly larger than a four-wheeler, will allow the department to respond faster to emergency situations on ponds and in the town forest, Breen said. It is light enough to be driven on ice in the winter and small enough to travel on wooded trails where trucks cannot go.
"This vehicle is going to increase our response capability," Breen said.
The Gator will be equipped with emergency medical and rescue equipment. It will be outfitted to carry someone in need of medical care, Breen said.
Association President Howie Glynn said the group's members decided to make the donation because they want to be sure if an emergency situation occurs, the town has the equipment to respond.
"It's something that's going to happen," he said. "It's just when?"
Glynn said the association raised the money for the Gator by holding charitable poker nights at Rockingham Park.
Selectmen voted unanimously to accept the donation.
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