DCMO BOCES Makes Masks For First Responders in Chenango County
DCMO BOCES instructors have been working over the last four weeks to produce nearly 300 face shields for the Chenango County Emergency Management Office and the City of Norwich Fire Department, According to the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES facebook page. The instructors used the 3-D printers at the Norwich and Sidney DCMO BOCES campuses in order to generate a sufficient supply of shields. Technology department staff have been working in shifts to practice social distancing.
According to City of Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino, “We use them for every call we go on. We were low on shields, but I heard from DCMO BOCES that their 3-D printers were making these. We were down to four shields in our inventory so DCMO BOCES helped to fill our gap. Since then, the Norwich High School has given us more, and the Raymond Corporation gave us some as well. We’re in a lot better shape.”
Area schools also contributed to the effort. Technology teachers Scott Bugbee at Sherburne-Earlville High School and William Rexroat at Unadilla Valley High School, as well as BOCES technician Steve Gillen (Walton Central School District), also worked on 3-D printing.
Jason Lawrence, Health and Safety Coordinator at DCMO BOCES says, “Emergency personnel need protective equipment. The way times are now, BOCES as a community partner must collaborate and cooperate with others to support community needs. It’s vital that we work together to provide what’s needed." Lawrence goes on to say, "By cooperating and collaborating, we will all get through this together.”
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