Fire company will use grant to buy heavy-duty laptops

Lawley Service Insurance and Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. presented $9,000 to the Ellicott Creek Volunteer Fire Company to purchase two heavy-duty laptop computers.

The donation is expected to help the fire company enhance emergency response capabilities.

The laptops are equipped with wireless network connections that will provide firefighters with instant access to maps, building layouts, and the department's database containing hazardous material information, aerial photography and real-time weather.

Fire Chief Michael Parker accepted the donation from Michael Lawley, director of sales for Lawley Service, and Laura Diehl, business development manager for Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. Also attending was Dan Murray, marketing manager for Lawley Service.

The donation was announced on April 24 at the Ellicott Creek Volunteer Fire Company, 45 S. Ellicott Creek Road.