The Riverside Fire Department is upgrading its life vests. The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Rewarding Responders grant program approved the department’s request earlier this year and fulfilled the order on Wednesday.
Chief David Briggs says it’s part of a plan to upgrade the department’s water rescue tools, which are essential in a community situated near the Wisconsin River and other waterways. “Though parts of it are very slow-moving, that river is generally considered swift water,” said Briggs. “And of course, we are right across from Domtar, which is undertaking a [significant] dam reconstruction. It is timely that we have these now, forbid something happens [there], but we will be more prepared to serve in that capacity.” The new vests are designed specifically for water rescues and replace the department’s current vests, which are more suited for survival in the water.
