Globe, DuPont, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have partnered to give away sets of state-of-the-art Globe gear to fire departments in need in honor of Globe’s 125th anniversary this year. The latest recipients are Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department in Gentryville, IN, which will receive 12 sets of gear, and Bolar Volunteer Fire Department in Monterey, VA, which will receive eight sets of gear.
The Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department serves a 29-square-mile area in Spencer County, IN, that includes a national memorial and state park that are visited by more than 100,000 people annually. In addition, the department provides mutual aid to two neighboring departments.
With a low operating budget that only covers insurance, fuel, and maintenance, the department struggles to raise money to pay for equipment and gear. Recent budget cuts in Indiana have made local government assistance to purchase new gear impossible, and the department has had limited success applying for grants to support this need.
“Our current turnout gear is old and many of the coats and pants are badly worn or damaged,” said Captain Mark Spellmeyer in the application. “We would greatly benefit from receiving this donation of gear because it would increase our firefighters’ safety by providing them with adequate gear to wear.”
The Bolar Volunteer Fire Department is located in Highland County, VA. The rural community includes a large mountainous territory and cattle and sheep farms. With no funding to obtain gear, the firefighters must wear old gear donated by another department that has long outlasted its intended lifespan.
“We are trying desperately to get our members in gear that is safe and meets the current NFPA standard,” said former Training Officer Jasper Miller. “We need turnout gear in the worst way.”
The donation of new sets of Globe gear will go far in ensuring that the members of Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department and Bolar Volunteer Fire Department are protected and ready to respond.
Globe – a fourth-generation family-owned business founded in 1887 – implemented the gear donation program to say thank you to the first responders who selflessly devote their time and risk their own safety to protect their communities. Over 2,600 departments applied for the gear, demonstrating the critical need for a program of this nature. With partners DuPont and the NVFC, Globe has already donated 126 sets of gear to resource-constrained departments across the country. A final round of donations will be made in December.
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 http://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.
