A close up of the personal voltage detection watch.

Toledo Edison is contributing to the safety and well-being of the City of Toledo Fire and Rescue Department and fellow citizens in the locality. Employees recently presented a donation of nearly 30 voltage detection watches, commonly referred to as V-Watches, to the dedicated men and women serving on the front lines of the city’s emergency response.

“With winter storms looming on the horizon, the timing of this donation couldn’t be more opportune,” said Toledo Edison’s Jim Veglia, Director, Operations. “The V-Watches provide an extra layer of defense against hidden electrical threats in the field and will prove invaluable in the face of the upcoming winter storm season when electrical hazards are heightened due to severe weather conditions and increased incidents of vehicle accidents.”

The voltage detection devices, each valued at approximately $435, are designed to enhance the safety of field personnel and first responders by alerting them to hidden electrical hazards through an audible signal. These sophisticated devices can detect downed or low-hanging power lines and other electrical hazards, ultimately mitigating the risks associated with first responders’ challenging line of work.

The devices were donated to first responders after Toledo Edison had replaced its field personnel’s V-Watches with an enhanced wearable safety device that attaches to the brim of a hard hat to provide audio and visual alerts when employees get close to electrical hazards.

“The Toledo Fire and Rescue Department is extremely grateful for this generous donation of personal voltage detectors by Toledo Edison. These voltage detectors will allow our emergency responders to identify energized power lines, thereby keeping emergency personnel and citizens safe from electrical dangers,” said Toledo Fire and Rescue Department Chief Allison Armstrong. “Toledo Edison has always been a great community partner to the Fire and Rescue Department, and we appreciate their continued support.”

This donation underscores Toledo Edison’s commitment to safety and giving back to its local communities. Toledo employees have a long-standing tradition of supporting local initiatives and partnering with essential services to ensure the well-being of residents in the communities it serves.