Safety of Toledo Fire & Rescue Department Members Enhanced by Toledo Edison Equipment Donation
FirstEnergy electric company Toledo Edison is spreading holiday cheer while contributing to the safety and well-being of the City of Toledo Fire & Rescue Department. The company recently presented a donation of nearly 30 voltage detection watches, commonly referred to as V-Watches, to the dedicated men and women serving on the front lines of emergency response.
“The Toledo Fire and Rescue Department is extremely grateful for this generous donation of personal voltage detectors by Toledo Edison. These voltage detectors will allow our emergency responders to identify energized power lines, thereby keeping emergency personnel and citizens safe from electrical dangers,” said Toledo Fire & Rescue Department Chief Allison Armstrong. “Toledo Edison has always been a great community partner to the Fire & Rescue Department, and we appreciate their continued support.”
Media coverage: Toledo Edison donates safety equipment to TFRD (13abc.com)
The voltage detection devices, each valued at approximately $435, are designed to enhance the safety of field personnel and first responders by alerting them to hidden electrical hazards through an audible signal. These sophisticated devices can detect downed or low-hanging power lines and other electrical hazards, ultimately mitigating the risks associated with first responders’ challenging line of work.
“With winter storms looming on the horizon, the timing of this donation couldn't be more opportune,” said Jim Veglia, Director of Operations at Toledo Edison. “The V-Watches provide an extra layer of defense against hidden electrical threats in the field and will prove invaluable in the face of the upcoming winter storm season when electrical hazards are heightened due to severe weather conditions and increased incidents of vehicle accidents.”
These devices were donated to first responders by Toledo Edison after the company recently replaced field personnel’s V-Watches with an enhanced wearable safety device that attaches to the brim of a hard hat to provide audio and visual alerts when the wearer gets close to an electrical hazard.
This donation underscores Toledo Edison’s commitment to safety and giving back to its local communities. The company has a long-standing tradition of supporting local initiatives and partnering with essential services to ensure the well-being of residents in the communities it serves. For instance, employee volunteers install smoke detectors in Toledo residents’ homes as part of the American Red Cross’ annual Sound the Alarm event.
View photos of Toledo Edison personnel donating V-Watches to Toledo Fire officials.
MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Siburkis, (330) 203-8850