Deputy Fire Chief Norm Vuignier attended the annual general meeting of the local Legion this past Tuesday night, where he accepted a donation of equipment for the Portage fire department: an automated external defibrillator (AED), funded by the Legion.
"It's a very important tool for us to have that extra piece of equipment. We only had one prior to this, and with our hall getting busier, it's great to have a second AED. It will help our firefighters or anyone we serve," Vuignier said.
He explained that such a device costs about $2,500.
"We're really grateful to the Legion for providing us with such an important piece of equipment," he added.
Terrie Porter, a councillor for the City of Portage, was also present to receive the Big Cheque from the Legion. She commented on the importance of poppy sales in supporting local organizations.
"I think any organization would be very grateful to the Legion for the proceeds from poppy sales. That was just one year's worth of sales, which is incredible," Porter said.