An electronics company has awarded the Paint Lake Volunteer Fire Department with ten thousand dollars in communications products.

JVC Kenwood Canada’s Kenwood Cares grant awards a non-profit volunteer organization every year.

Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Barlow says the department operates a command vehicle and two fire trucks, and use pumps that draw water from Paint Lake and Liz Lake in order to control fires.

Barlow explains their relay system uses visual hand signals, which are often hampered by obstacles, smoke, darkness, and noise from the pumps.

He goes on to say the radios the department will receive through the grant will greatly improve communication on the fire line.