The petrol powered concrete saw can be used by Rolleston’s fire service members for forcible entries; cutting through roller doors and concrete walls or rubble, when a lighter alternative to the hydraulic ‘Jaws of Life’ rescue tool is required.

Hirepool Upper South Island Regional Manager Ross Dale says the donation was suggested by Hirepool Access staff member Shannon Austin, who is a volunteer fire service member at the Rolleston station.

Every year Hirepool Auckland holds an auction of second-hand goods and this year Hirepool’s Christchurch branches felt they had enough stock to hold their own. “When Shannon saw we had a couple of concrete saws in the auction, he suggested donating one to the brigade,” says Ross. “We all thought it was a great idea and had our mechanic tidy up one of the better ones to hand over.”

Shannon says he is delighted Hirepool Christchurch has donated the saw and that it will be welcomed at the Rolleston station. “Our current saw is old and has become unreliable so it is great we can replace it and have a working saw on hand when we need it”.

The Rolleston Volunteer Fire Brigade is made up of 29 fire service members who respond to over 400 calls a year. They also have two rural fire fighters and 30 residents trained to assist at longer rural fires. Last year they attended 477 calls.

“We are glad to be able to support our local volunteer fire fighters and help them out with this small gesture,” says Ross.