By Amy batista, Special Writer
PLUMSTED — Township emergency services received two Panasonic Toughbooks from New Jersey American Water through a donation program at its commissioners meeting on Nov. 5.
“Our program, Toughbooks for Tough Volunteers, began earlier this year,” said Peter Escbach, director of communications and external affairs, in an email on Nov. 13.
New Jersey American Water launched its Toughbook donation program to provide the laptop computers to non-profit organizations, primarily volunteer firefighters and emergency responders in the company’s service areas.
“Though these computers no longer meet our company’s needs, they may still benefit firefighters and first responders in our communities,” he said. “We’re launching our Toughbooks for Tough Volunteers to donate computers as tough as the community volunteers who will use them.”
He said that the rugged, reliable computers are designed to withstand drops, spills and be used in the harsh environments that water utility employees frequently find themselves.
“Hopefully the volunteers will make similar use of them in their environment,” he said.
“The Toughbooks will be added to the department vehicles and will be used to complete various tasks by personnel,” said EMS Capt. Jodi Byrne in an email on Nov. 17. “Tasks including patient care reports, building preplans and general information for crews while they are away from the firehouse.”
She said the grant will improve the quality and overall work performance for personnel.
Qualified volunteer emergency services organizations interested in being put on the company’s Toughbook wait list or find out more information can contact [email protected].

