Donor Gives $75,000 to Westport for Defibrillators

An anonymous donor has given the Town of Westport $75,000 to purchase new automated external defibrillators, Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell announced Wednesday.

The town, along with the Westport Downtown Merchants Association and the Westport Chamber of Commerce, had launched a fund-raising drive April 1 to replace the current AEDs in police cars, a police boat, fire vehicles, ambulances, and at various locations around town.

Farrell said the donation will enable the town to purchase 30 to 40 units. She said the goal of the fund-raising drive is "in excess of $84,000" to replace existing units. The new units for the first time will be able to be used on children.

The Board of Selectmen will formally accept the contribution at its May 11 meeting. The matter will then go before the Representative Town Meeting. Farrell said citizens and/or businesses wishing to contribute to the fund-raising drive should contact Deputy Chief David Heinmiller at (203) 341-6026.