Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool has signed a purchase agreement for five HMA F350 Rapid Response appliances for use by the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services (VIFRS).

The appliances include a Hydrus © 20 Gallons Per Mile (GPM) Skid Unit, and a 200 - gallon water tank from HMA Fire LLC; for the sum of Four Hundred Forty-Seven Thousand Three Hundred Ten Dollars ($447,310.00).

The VIFRS will also receive one 350 GPM Vision Attack Pumper on a 2019 Ford F550 chassis with a Bronze JME Rear Pump, for the sum of Three Hundred Forty-One Thousand Dollars (341,000.00), inclusive of shipping and insurance.

Honourable Vanterpool said he recognises that the officers are working under difficult circumstances, especially since the 2017 hurricanes and that he is confident that the new equipment will boost the efforts of the team to save and protect lives and prevent and extinguish fires.

Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Zebalon McLean expressed gratitude to the Government of the Virgin Islands for the Rapid Response appliances.

Mr. McLean also applauded the efforts of his team and said that he is encouraged by the officers who continue to serve even in difficult circumstances.He said his team will make the effort to employ whatever means available to serve the people of the Virgin Islands.

The Ministry of Communications and Works remains committed to ensuring an enhanced community life for the residents and visitors of the Virgin Islands.