An automated external defibrillator is at hand at Baer Memorial Swimming Pool in Lehighton.

Lehigh Fire Co. No. 1 donated $2,500 to the pool for the AED, said Tom Evans, borough recreation director.

The donation came from the Lehigh Fire Co. No. 1 social quarters small games of chance, said Lonny Armbruster, president of the Lehigh Fire Co. No. 1 social quarters.

Armbruster touted the small games of chance, and said the fire company does its utmost to give back to the community.

However, Armbruster alluded to state Senate Bill 756 that aims to regulate and tax skill gaming machines.

“We strongly suggest they reject that bill,” Armbruster said.

Evans said the pool needed the AED, which he said is appropriate for small children.

“It comes with a child key,” Evans said. “Hopefully, it’s never needed.”

Evans said the purpose of the AED coming with the child key is to reduce the electrical shock delivered by the AED.

He said the pool is most grateful for the equipment, and thanked Lehigh Fire Co. No. 1 for its continued support over the years.

“Safety is number one,” he said. “Anything for safety, they’re right there for us.”

Evans noted that last year, the Lehigh Fire Co. No. 1 donated $3,500 to the pool for a new wheelchair; in 2020, the fire company donated $2,500 to the pool for a wheelchair as well.

The fire company also previously donated $2,500 for safety equipment, AEDs and more, Evans said.

In addition, he said the fire company had donated two picnic tables totaling over $1,000; a bench worth $500 in honor of Skip Conarty; and kitchen equipment from the fire company.