Rosenbauer America is donating 24,000 KN95 face masks to first responders, as thanks in appreciation for their dedication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The facemasks will be distributed to fire departments across the United States and Canada.
KN95 face masks
“Our communities rely on first responders answering calls for service. We need to protect their health and safety,” said John Slawson, Chairman and CEO of Rosenbauer America, adding “COVID-19 is personal and the virus literally follows responders home, subsequently, threatening the family members of our first responders with infection. Never before have our first responders been so concerned that they have chosen to self-isolate away from their families.”
Rosenbauer’s partner network has been surveying fire departments, in order to determine where this donation can fill gaps in KN95 face masks supplies. “In early March, our network partners were going on product demo calls to fire departments. Their focus has transitioned to that of ally against COVID-19,” said John Slawson.
Providing PPE to fire departments
More than 40% of fire departments lack adequate PPE, according to industry experts"
He adds, “More than 40% of fire departments lack adequate PPE, according to industry experts. We wanted to help in whatever way we could, to keep our first responders safe. We are all in this together, we are an ecosystem, and we must continue to be vigilant and support our first responders.”
In addition to helping protect the first responders, Rosenbauer’s purchase of the 24,000 KN95 masks is helping the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, with 100% of the purchase price donated to the charity.
Support for Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund
Established in 2014, the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to honoring military service and sacrifice, by providing college scholarships to veterans and military family members, especially to children of the nation’s fallen or disabled.
The fund is inspired by Colonel John ‘Johnny Mac’ McHugh, KIA (Killed in Action) in Kabul, Afghanistan, on May 18, 2010. To date, Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund has awarded over US$ 16 million in college scholarships and education programs, funding over 2,000 students.