NORWOOD -- Having purchased all the required equipment within the Norwood Fire Department’s $146,097 Assistance to Firefighters Grants written by former Chief Tim Donohue, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has allowed excess funds of $3,000 to be used to further the abilities of the Norwood Fire Department.

This was used for a new Physio-control LIFEPAK 1000 Defibrillator.

This is a very capable instrument, which includes a large, intuitive screen that displays graphics and ECG readings that are clear and easy to read from a distance.

Not only did they receive the AED but a few hundred dollars in supplies too.

The Norwood first responders have had a 167 percent increase in emergency calls over last year.

A couple weeks ago 30 complete sets of turn out gear arrived to provide the fire-fighters with top grade fire protection. They also recently received over $72,000 worth of SCBA breathing equipment and 10 new fire radios. A brand new compressor and fill station will arrive the first week of September.

A second grant, of $182,400 and written by former chief Donohue, was also awarded within the same year. A brand new fire truck has been ordered and will be arriving around Christmas time. A 2,100 gallon water tanker with a 1,000 GPM mid-ship pump will replace the present 1986 model in use.

The primary goal of the AFG is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations, Donohue said.

Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. Many other local departments have benefited from these awards but none have received two within the same year, according to Donohue.