Globe, DuPont, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) are celebrating Globe's 125th anniversary by giving away sets of gear to volunteer fire departments in need. In the fourth round of donations, gear has been awarded to Hammon (OK) Fire Department, Chester (TX) Volunteer Fire Department, and Fairview (WV) Volunteer Fire Department.
Globe is a fourth-generation family-owned business founded in 1887. To say thank you to the first responders who selflessly devote their time and risk their own safety to protect their communities, Globe has partnered with DuPont and the NVFC to give back to resource-constrained fire departments across the country by donating much-needed sets of gear. Over 2,600 departments applied for the gear, demonstrating the critical need for a program of this nature. So far 106 sets of gear have been awarded to 12 volunteer fire departments across the country. Two additional rounds of donations will be made before the end of the year.
The Hammon Fire Department is an all-volunteer department that protects the town of Hammon, OK, and the surrounding rural area, for a total coverage area of 250 square miles. Approximately 35% of the town's residents are Native American. With such a large coverage area, the department responds to a wide range of incidents ranging from vehicle accidents, oilfield fires and incidents, wildland fires, structural fires, and natural disasters such as the destructive tornado that hit the town in 2010. The department also belongs to the Roger Mills County Task Force, which assists with incidents in surrounding fire districts. In addition, the department provides community and school education programs, has a smoke alarm installation program, and is getting ready to implement a community-wide program on fire prevention and preparedness as a new Firewise Community.
"The current turnout gear is in poor condition, which places the firefighters and community members at a greater danger," said Charles Williams. "At the present time, any new firefighter cannot be supplied a complete set of gear in proper condition to provide essential protection."
The department will receive six sets of new Globe turnout gear. "Replacing current turnout gear with updated equipment that is compliant with OSHA and NFPA standards would improve the protection to Hammon firefighters against the hazards they face in the line of duty, including dangerous debris, hazardous materials, and infectious disease," Williams said. "We would like to thank Globe, DuPont, and the NVFC for providing a vital service to rural fire departments and for giving the Hammon Fire Department the opportunity to receive this donation."
The Chester Volunteer Fire Department serves a community of about 410 residents in Tyler and Polk Counties, TX. As they receive no tax money from the counties, the department struggles to operate strictly on donations and less than $2,000 a year from the Tyler County Fire Association. The department only has three full sets of bunker gear, and they are all over 15 years old.
"Our members are very proud of who we are and what we stand for," said Fire Chief Bryan Davis in his application for the gear. "A lot of volunteer fire departments need help, and I would like to say thank you for giving Chester VFD a chance to receive your gear. It would be a prayer answered."
The Fairview Volunteer Fire Department is located in a small town of around 3,500. With barely enough funds to keep up the cost of the building and equipment, there is no money to purchase new gear for the members. The gear they do have dates back to the 1980s and does not provide the adequate protection the firefighters need to safety perform their jobs.
"Safety comes first and foremost," said Chief Steven Gillespie. "I don't feel safe with the gear I have [ to give to members]."
The department will receive 12 new sets of Globe gear to make sure that the firefighters have the proper protection when responding to the emergencies in their community.
Stay tuned to the NVFC web site at www.nvfc.org and the NVFC and Globe pages on Facebook for the next gear donation announcement.
About Globe
Globe is the largest and most trusted manufacturer of structural firesuits in the world. Over the years, Globe has been responsible for introducing many of the materials, designs, and construction methods we now take for granted in firefighter suits. Globe was the first manufacturer in the fire service to use DuPont NOMEX® inherently flame resistant materials. Learn more at www.globeturnoutgear.com.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.
About the NVFC
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable tools, resources, programs, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.
