BRACEVILLE, Ill. (Apr. 30, 2008) - Braidwood Station Plant Manager Larry Coyle presented a check totaling $12,500 Monday evening to the Braidwood and Gardner Volunteer Fire Departments for the purchase of emergency radios for their respective departments.
 
The Braidwood Fire Department received $7,500 for the purchase of 900Mhz radios that are compatible with the radio system used by Braidwood Generating Station. The radio units, which will be installed in the Braidwood Fire Department Command Vehicle and the First-Out Engine, will allow the fire department to communicate directly with station personnel.

“It’s a great tool for the department to have so we can use the same communication frequency as the (generating) station,” said Braidwood Fire Chief Ken Heberer.

The Gardner Fire Department received $5,000 for the purchase of two-way radios and portable chargers. The radios serve as back-up communication devices should phone lines become unavailable between the Gardner Fire Department/Grundy County Sheriff offices and the Gardner Grade School or Gardner South Wilmington High School.

“We are glad to make these donations to help our local communities,” said Braidwood Station Plant Manager Larry Coyle. “The new communications equipment will help these fire departments ensure another level of safety for their area residents.”