MO, NC Fire Departments Win Globe Gear Giveaway

Nov. 20, 2019
MSA, DuPont and the NVFC have awarded four new sets of turnout gear to two fire departments in MO and NC through MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway.

MSA, DuPont, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have awarded the Stella Rural Fire Department (Rocky Comfort, MO) and Balsam-Willets-Ochre Hill Volunteer Fire Department (Sylva, NC) each with four new sets of turnout gear through MSA’s 2019 Globe Gear Giveaway.

Launched in 2012, the program is designed to support local fire departments in the U.S. and Canada that struggle to maintain adequate firefighter protection due to budgetary constraints. A total of 52 sets will be awarded to 13 departments this year.

Stella Rural Fire Department (Rocky Comfort, MO)

Stella Rural Fire Department is comprised of 39 volunteers who serve a population of 3,800 over 132 square miles. The department relies on an annual fundraiser, which typically provides half of its annual budget, as its primary source of funding.

However, the money raised is not enough to adequately update equipment. Most of the volunteers use old gear donated by career departments in the area, and some volunteers don’t have any gear at all.

Chief Charles Colvin called the new Globe gear from MSA a blessing. “We as volunteers need all the help we can get.”

Balsam-Willets-Ochre Hill Volunteer Fire Department (Sylva, NC)

Balsam-Willets-Ochre Hill Volunteer Fire Department responds to a wide array of incidents, including wildland fires, structure fires, search and rescues, and medical calls. In addition to serving its own area, the department provides mutual aid to four other departments serving almost 19,000 people.

With a limited budget, the department has had difficulty raising funds to update its turnout gear, all of which is over 10 years old and thus not up to NFPA standards.

“Four sets of new turnout gear would be great to distribute to the firefighters that have the most worn out and used gear. It will also reduce the risk of injuries to our personnel,” said 2nd Lieutenant Chuck Irwin. “Our department strives to be as safe and as productive as we can.”

The final awards in this year’s MSA Globe Gear Giveaway will be made in December. Stay tuned to the NVFC web site, Dispatch newsletter, and Facebook page, as well as the Globe Facebook page, for additional information and announcements.

About MSA

Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate

a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company’s comprehensive product line is used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, the fire service, the construction industry, mining and the military. MSA’s core products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, firefighter helmets and protective apparel, and fall protection devices. With 2018 revenues of $1.4 billion, MSA employs approximately 4,800 people worldwide. The company is headquartered north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pa., and has manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. With more than 40 international locations, MSA realizes approximately half of its revenue from outside North America. For more information visit MSA’s web site at www.msasafety.com.

About DuPont Personal Protection

DuPont Personal Protection is a business unit of DuPont Safety & Construction. From first responders to industrial workers, DuPont provides a wide range of personal protection solutions including some of the most trusted and innovative brands in the industry, such as Kevlar®, Nomex®, Tyvek®, and Tychem® to meet your safety needs. More information can be found at www.personalprotection.dupont.com.

About DuPont Safety & Construction

DuPont Safety & Construction is a global leader in delivering innovation for life’s essential needs in water, shelter and safety; enabling its customers to win through unique capabilities, global scale and iconic brands including DuPont™ Corian®, Kevlar®, Nomex®, Tyvek®, GreatStuff™, Styrofoam™ and Filmtec®.

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 resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.

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