ADAMS, Mass. - Adams firefighters now have some brand-new 60-Volt battery saws, drills and other tools to use while responding to scenes.

Chief John Pansecchi said the volunteer fire department is grateful for the new donation from Specialty Minerals Inc. which saves the department about $5,000.

What You Need To Know

  • Specialty Minerals Inc. donated about $5,000 worth of tools to the Adams Fire Department

  • Adams FD has 29 volunteer firefighters on their roster, according to Chief Pansecchi

  • The Specialty Minerals plant in Adams, Massachusetts, has been manufacturing fine industrial mineral products since 1961

“A leaf blower, which sounds kind of silly but when we do any kind of brush fires a leaf blower is one of the tools that is being used; also when we're cleaning up action scenes,” Pansecchi said.

Pansecchi said many of the department’s tools needed upgrades, but replacements would have put a dent in their budget.

“It's on our wish list, which means it's something that if I have the money in my budget for it, I might buy a piece of it, two pieces," Pansecchi said. "But to buy the whole thing at one shot would never happen without assistance from an agency like this.”

Specialty Minerals has a large plant in Adams. Kyle Ledbetter, their environment health and safety manager, said firefighters are critical to the area’s safety and it’s important for them to be equipped with reliable tools.

“They’re our first responders, they're key players in keeping our employees safe," Ledbetter said. "And the community that we operate and our employees where they live, keeping that community safe. We were really happy and we were excited to be able to partner and build our relationship with the town and the fire department and make sure that they have what they need to do their job safely, efficiently, and continue to support this great area.”

Pansecchi said the department is thankful for the support of residents and local businesses.

“Whatever businesses when they offer to help us, it really saves the taxpayers, our members are so appreciative of it, the district is so appreciative of it," Pansecchi said. "I really want to thank the SMI staff for reaching out to us and stepping up on this. I think they did an outstanding job.”

Pansecchi said he believes this is the largest donation the department has received during his time as fire chief.