Hampton Fire Department receives a $100,000 grant

Traci Hastings, The Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn.
·2 min read

Aug. 20—HAMPTON — A grant from a local philanthropist to the Hampton Fire Company was just the right tool for the job.

The fire department received $100,000 from the Lester E. and Phyllis M. Foster Foundation earlier this year. The foundation is co-managed by the David Foster, who named it for his parents. Foster, and his wife, Marilyn, live in Hampton, but Foster is well-known throughout the area not only for his philanthropy but because of his former co-ownership of the famous musical venue Shaboo Inn in Mansfield.

Shortly after the Fosters announced that the Hampton Fire Company would be a grant recipient, one of the fire department's Hurst toolsa device also known as the 'jaws of life'- broke. The pump-operated tool was so old that parts could no longer be obtained to fix it.

Part of the Foster Foundation's funding was used to purchase new Hurst tools, including a spreader, rammer, and cutter. The tools are used to extricate people from vehicles after a crash if the doors are too damaged to open. The new set is battery-operated, which is more efficient, and cost $41,000. NAPA Auto Parts of Willimantic helped the department obtain the tools.

The remainder of the $100,000 was used for paving at the fire station, a long-awaited project. Donations from other sources were used to fund the rest of the paving job, which will be complete in September.

Dale DeMontigny, the treasurer of the fire company, said that Foster's generous gift had a big impact for the community.

"He's been a huge support to us, and a good friend," DeMontigny said. " The Hampton Fire Company would like to express our sincere gratitude to David and Marilyn Foster for this incredible donation, and to Jeff Leblanc from NAPA Willimantic, who helped make our needs a reality."

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