TN And MS Volunteer Fire Departments Are Latest Recipients Of MSA Safety And Dupont’s Globe Gear Giveaway

Shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE) are a widespread issue for many volunteer fire departments. To address this need, MSA Safety Incorporated, DuPont Personal Protection, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have been partnering since 2012 to give away state-of-the-art gear to volunteer fire departments in need.

In 2022, a total of 13 fire departments will be awarded with four new sets of turnouts and four new helmets. Additionally, the first 500 applicants received a one-year NVFC membership, courtesy of MSA Safety. The latest recipients in the giveaway are Debusk Volunteer Fire Department (Greeneville, TN) and Snow Lake Volunteer Fire Department (Ashland, MS).

Debusk Volunteer Fire Department

The Debusk Volunteer Fire Department is comprised entirely of volunteers

Located in a small town in eastern Tennessee, USA, the Debusk Volunteer Fire Department is comprised entirely of volunteers. It serves over 2,600 residents across 6.5 square miles, and answers about 135 calls annually.

With multiple unsuccessful grant attempts and no purchasing capability, the department has been struggling to equip its members with the proper gear. The current gear being used ranges from 15-20 years old, which makes them non-compliant to NFPA standards.

Replacing old turnout gear

Firefighters have to make do with gear that is torn, bulky, and severely damaged. This poses a significant safety risk to the department’s dedicated volunteers.

“These men and women go above and beyond each and every time we are dispatched regardless of what they may run into,” said Fire Chief, Heath Gregg, adding “They deserve to have the equipment they need to perform their duty.”

Snow Lake Volunteer Fire Department

Within the woods of the Holly Springs National Forest in Mississippi you’ll find the Snow Lake Volunteer Fire Department (SLVFD). The all-volunteer department has 12 members who serve 1,300 residents across 150 square miles. SLVFD responds to structure, wildland, and vehicle fires, as well as medical calls.

All of the departments in the county are 100% volunteer-run and manpower is at a minimum

Additionally, the department provides backup to the five other volunteer departments in the county, expanding their service area by 400 square miles. All of the departments in the county are 100% volunteer-run and manpower is at a minimum, especially during the day.

New turnouts and helmets for fire departments

With calls on the increase and diesel fuel costs stretching its already-slim budget, the SLVFD has struggled to find the money to purchase new equipment. All of its turnouts are at least 15-years old, and they are heavy, especially for the over 60-years-old firefighters, who make the majority of the calls. Similarly, most of the fire department’s helmets are over 10 years old, with some proving difficult to see through.

“The new turnouts and helmets would go to the firefighters who make the most calls and are the most likely to enter a structure,” said Firefighter, Gerry Printz, adding “Starting with four new sets of gear could be the impetus to upgrade our other turnouts – one or two sets a year. We also hope that by upgrading our turnouts, it will help us attract additional younger volunteers.”

Additional awards will be made monthly throughout 2022.