Departments in NY and TN will each receive four sets of new turnout gear and four new helmets
MSA, DuPont, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) are helping volunteer fire departments obtain much-needed gear through MSA’s and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway. In 2020, 13 departments will each receive four new sets of turnout gear and four new helmets to help enhance the safety of their firefighters. The first 500 applicants also received a one-year NVFC membership, courtesy of MSA.
The latest recipients of MSA’s and DuPont’s 2020 Globe Gear Giveaway are the Strykersville (NY) Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. and Gilt Edge Volunteer Fire Department (Burlison, TN).
Strykersville (NY) Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.
The Strykersville Volunteer Fire Company (SVFC) protects 52 square miles of rural upstate New York. Even though they have 21 active members responding to over 200 calls annually, all of their turnout gear is over 10 years old and thus non-compliant with NFPA and OSHA safety standards. Over the past year, members have even been turned away from basic and higher-level trainings due to the condition of their turnout gear. SVFC is unable to purchase new gear due to financial constraints, and restrictions enacted to stop the spread of COVID-19 have limited their traditional fundraising methods.
Despite these challenges, SVFC maintains a positive reputation as a highly responsive, fiscally responsible fire company dedicated to serving their community.
The new gear will have an immediate impact on the safety and effectiveness of the department. “Without grant assistance, we risk delayed responses, putting firefighters, the community, and property in danger, none of which are risks we would like to take,” said secretary Mary Gibson. “The addition of four sets of turnout gear will help bring active members into immediate, full compliance with NFPA 1971 and 1851 [and] facilitate quicker response times with fully-staffed equipment, bringing the department closer to 100 percent NFPA 1720 compliance.”
Gilt Edge Volunteer Fire Department (Burlison, TN)
The Gilt Edge Volunteer Fire Department (GEVFD) serves a community of 4,200 over a 52-square-mile area of rural western Tennessee, responding to around 400 calls annually. Despite having 20 active members, only eight sets of turnout gear are less than 10 years old, and budget constraints make it difficult, if not impossible, to purchase new gear.
Even though GEVFD faces many challenges, the volunteers are dedicated to serving their community. They lowered their Insurance Services Office rating, were recognized by the State Fire Marshal’s Office for excellence in community risk reduction, and haven’t missed a dispatched call in the past 17 months.
“Receipt of [this gear] will move us forward in ensuring that all of our members entering an IDLH environment are doing so with the best PPE possible and that meets the current NFPA 1971 recommendations,” said Fire Chief Brandon Fletcher.
Additional awards will be made monthly throughout 2020. Stay tuned to the NVFC web site, Dispatch newsletter, and Facebook and Twitter pages, 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 2019 revenues of $1.4
billion, MSA employs approximately 5,000 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 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 Corian®, Kevlar®, Nomex®, Tyvek®, GreatStuff™, Styrofoam™ and
Filmtec®.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based
materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and
everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help
customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key
markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, health and
wellness, food, and worker safety. More information can be found at www.dupont.com/.
DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all products, unless otherwise noted, denoted with ™, ℠ or ® are trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks of affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
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 critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first
responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.
