FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS – Due to the nationwide shortage of personal protective equipment, first responders have been making due with limited supplies through the majority of this pandemic. As a result, Mechanics Cooperative Bank has made a direct effort on their behalf with the donation of 2,000 KN95 masks to the Fall River Police and Fall River Fire Departments. First responders such as police and fire are often put in harm’s way and must be trained to deal with a wide array of potential medical emergencies including contagion.
President and CEO of Mechanics Cooperative Bank, Joseph T. Baptista Jr. commented “As a business member of the Fall River community, Mechanics Cooperative Bank is proud to do our part in support of our local first responders and those on the front line facing this pandemic on a daily basis. It’s important that our police and fire departments have the proper personal protective equipment needed to keep themselves, and our community safe, and we are happy to be in a position to help. This is what community banking is all about. Thank you to both the Fall River Police and Fire Departments for all that you do for our community.”
Due to the high level of uncertainty associated with these positions proper face masks are the first step in personal protection. Even with such preparation, first responders face unique risks of being the first people to aid those with unknown circumstances.
Fall River Chief of Police, Jeffrey Cardoza said “These masks are extremely helpful and will add to our ongoing internal effort to protect our Officers and our residents when they are in need of our support. The safety of everyone who interactions with our department is our main concern and if officers have proper personal protective equipment, they can better focus on their support of our community. We appreciate the generosity of Mechanics Cooperative Bank and their thoughtfulness to help make our City safer.”
The KN95 masks, valued at over $5,000 were delivered on May, 28th by President and CEO of Mechanics Cooperative Bank, Joseph T. Baptista Jr. KN95 is an industrial manufacturing standard that requires specific materials and manufacturing processes to significantly increase their effectiveness.
Fall River Fire Chief John Lynch commented “We appreciate the support from Mechanics Cooperative Bank and their President, Joseph Baptista. The Fall River Fire Department needs these quality masks as our team responds to serval calls daily that require proper personal protection equipment for direct interaction with those in need. We can’t say thank you enough – these masks will make a difference.”
About Mechanics Cooperative Bank
With total assets over $600 million, Mechanics Cooperative Bank offers a wide variety of personal and business deposit and loan products. As a Massachusetts co-operative bank, 100% of customers’ deposits are always fully insured. Established in 1877, Mechanics Cooperative Bank is Massachusetts’ second-oldest co-operative bank with eight conveniently located branches in Bridgewater, Taunton, North Dighton, Somerset, Swansea, Fall River and Westport. For more information, call 1-888-MECHANICS (632-4264) or visit Mechanics-Coop.com. Member FDIC. Member DIF. Equal Housing Lender.
Photo Caption:
(From left) Sergeant and Medical Supply Officer Ray Morrissette, Fall River Chief of Police Jeffrey Cardoza, Tim Oliveira, Fall River Fire EMS Director, Fall River Fire Chief, John Lynch and President and CEO of Mechanics Cooperative Bank, Joseph T. Baptista Jr. come together, adhering to proper social distancing guidelines, as the Bank delivered 2,000 KN95 masks in direct support of these local first responders. Thank you to the Fall River and Police and Fire Department for your hard work and dedication.
