MSA Safety Incorporated, DuPont, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have teamed up again to help volunteer fire departments obtain much-needed gear through MSA’s and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway.
2020 Globe Gear Giveaway
This annual program began in 2012 and has provided 507 sets of turnout gear to 108 departments to date. In 2020, another 13 departments will each receive four new sets of turnout gear and four new helmets to help enhance the safety of their firefighters. The first 500 applicants also received a one-year NVFC membership, courtesy of MSA.
The first two recipients of MSA’s and DuPont’s 2020 Globe Gear Giveaway are the Haynesville (ME) Volunteer Fire Department and Washington Borough (NJ) Fire Department.
Haynesville Volunteer Fire Department
The Haynesville Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) protects 41 square miles in rural northern Maine
The Haynesville Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) protects 41 square miles in rural northern Maine. Even though they have eight active members, seven sets of their turnout gear are more than 10 years old. All of HFVD’s existing gear is secondhand, and they are unable to purchase new gear due to budget constraints, as their annual expenditures outpace the small amount of funding the town provides.
Despite these challenges, the members of the HFVD are committed to protecting their community and continually strive to improve their operations, such as by taking additional training classes to further their skills.
“I cannot put into words how much this means to our department,” said Assistant Chief Thomas Farr, adding “This is going to make a big difference for those of us that are interior certified.”
Washington Borough Fire Department
The Washington Borough Fire Department (WBFD) is a rural, all-volunteer department that relies on tax revenue from the town as well as fundraising from the community they serve to support their operations.
WBFD has been trying to slowly replace their outdated turnout gear, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have had to cancel several planned fundraisers. Support they receive from the town will also likely be impacted due to a decrease in tax revenue.
Turnout gear for firefighters
WBFD has 30 active members, yet they only have five sets of turnout gear that are less than 10 years old. Despite this, they continue to serve their town of 6,500 residents and respond to an average of 300 calls per year.
“Being awarded gear through [MSA’s and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway] will allow us to keep our members as safe as possible in the harsh environments we are exposed to,” said Assistant Chief Josh DeVoe.