Ricochet and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) aim to assist volunteer departments in enhancing safety and efficacy by supplying the appropriate equipment for the actual demands of the calls they handle. Departments that qualify may apply for five sets of Ricochet Wildland + Technical Rescue Dual-Cert Gear during the October application session for the Ricochet PPE Award Program.

Departments must fulfilll the following requirements in order to be eligible to apply:

• Every year, respond to wildfires, such as grassfires and brushfires, and offer emergency medical and/or rescue assistance. At least one active NVFC member
• Be more than 50 percent voluntary; compensated on-call work is regarded as volunteer work
• Serving a population of no more than 25,000
• Be legally constituted in accordance with state law and situated in the United States
• Show that the equipment is necessary

Ricochet Wildland + Technical Rescue Dual-Cert Gear has a single-layer construction (no moisture barrier), is lightweight, and complies with NFPA 1977 and 1951. Five pairs of gear (jacket and pants) will be given to each of the five departments.

The Ricochet PPE Award Program has three application sessions; this is the third and last one. Ricochet Out Front Technical Rescue Gear applications were accepted in August, while Ricochet Wildland Gear applications were accepted in September. You are still eligible to apply for another kind of equipment even if you have already applied for and been awarded one.

Visit www.nvfc.org/ricochet to learn more about the program and submit an application for five sets of Ricochet Wildland + Technical Rescue Dual-Cert Gear for your department by Oct. 30.