T-L Photo/JOSIE BURKHART Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department purchases two new gas monitors to detect carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases, thanks to the American Legion’s $1,500 donation. Shown from left are Fire Chief I Ron Hilton, Post 38 Commander Dale Proctor, Post 38 SAL Commander Joe Klut and Fire Chief II Justin Smith.

MARTINS FERRY — Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department has two new gas monitors, thanks to the American Legion Post 38.

First responders can now detect carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases within a house with the two new Altair gas monitors that will be stored on the fire trucks.

The fire department now has four gas monitors, with two upgraded ones and two older ones that only have a carbon monoxide detector. Fire Chief II Justin Smith said the department is still looking to replace the old ones, but getting the two new ones is “definitely a big step.”

Sons of the American Legion Commander Post 38 Joe Klut said the fire department asked if the legion could do something to help the department, so Klut submitted a letter to apply for funds to replace and upgrade some old equipment.

Klut and the other veterans felt that the gas monitors were important for the department to have, so they donated $1,500 for it to purchase them.

Smith said firefighters can take the gas monitors into houses to see if it’s safe for them to take off their breathing apparatuses as well.

The department will start using the new devices as soon as possible, with Fire Chief I Ron Hilton and Smith saying they just need to charge and will go into service immediately.

Smith said the department uses the gas monitors frequently in the winter, with furnaces can emit CO. He noted people’s house detectors will go off, and they don’t know if their detector is bad or there is actually some type of gas present.

“It’ll help the firemen and also the community,” Hilton said, “just to keep the firefighters safe and the community safe.”