Hearty effort by clubs
Working together for the benefit of the community has seen the Matamata Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Matamata buy a defibrillator for the Matamata Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Lions president Warren Feek said Lions members came up with the idea.
Mr Feek approached Rotary president Eric Muckle about turning it into a joint venture.
The total cost of the defibrillator was $4800 and was split down the middle by both clubs.
Matamata Rotary raised funds last year to purchase a defibrillator for Matamata College.
Mr Muckle said it was mentioned that the fire brigade should have one and Rotary members agreed it was a good idea.
A special presentation evening was held at Matamata fire station on April 30 to acknowledge the generous donation by both service clubs.
On accepting the defibrillator, chief fire officer Brian Hunter said he would like to think that they would never have to use the piece of equipment.
‘‘ Unfortunately the reality is we will.’’
Mr Feek who is also a member of the fire brigade said it was becoming more and more common for the fire brigade to be medical call outs.
Fire fighters would be attending a special one and a half hour training session to familiarise themselves with the defibrillator.
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