Fire Departments in KY and AR are Latest to Receive New Gear Thanks to MSA and Dupont’s Globe Gear Giveaway
November 1, 2022
The giveaway will award four new sets of gear and helmets to 13 departments in 2022
Too many volunteer fire departments struggle with an inadequate amount of turnout gear or worn-out, non-compliant gear they can’t afford to replace. That’s why the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has partnered with MSA Safety and Dupont Personal Protection since 2012 to give away state-of-the-art gear to departments in need. A total of 13 departments will be awarded with four new sets of turnouts and four new helmets in 2022. Additionally, the first 500 applicants received a one-year NVFC membership, courtesy of MSA.
The latest recipients in the giveaway are Eubank (KY) Volunteer Fire Department and Nevada County Fire and Rescue (Prescott, AR).
Eubank Volunteer Fire Department
Run entirely by volunteers, the Eubank (KY) Volunteer Fire Department stays busy with around 125 calls per year. The department serves a population of 3,500 across 250 square miles.
The department has not been successful at obtaining federal grant funding for new turnout gear, and there is not enough equipment to go around. New members have had to wear gear that is 15 to 20 years old due to lack of funding. Similarly, all of the department’s gloves and boots are around 10 years old or older.
The donation of the four sets of turnouts and helmets will have a big impact on the department. “[It will] make it a lot easier on the members who are new to… attend the state mandated live fire training that is required per our SOGs and bylaws for any interior attack firefighter,” said Chief Norman Rutheford. “[It will] make my life a lot easier knowing my people are in good gear that is protecting them in a hostile environment.”
Nevada County Fire and Rescue
Located in a small rural town in western Arkansas, Nevada County Fire and Rescue serves 3,800 residents and receives between 35-40 calls annually. The department looks after 221 square miles, which include the busy I-30 interstate and a nearby chemical-transporting train. Fertilizer truck accidents with explosions and fuel spills are all too common for the department; it is the only provider in northern Nevada County with extrication capabilities and one of the few that respond to hazardous material spills.
As its residents struggle with poverty, the volunteer-run department operates on Act 833 funds and fundraisers throughout the year. Most of its gear dates to the 1970s, and firefighters have to train without it to save it for a true emergency. The dated gear not only restricts training opportunities, but it also prevents volunteers from entering homes to conduct interior firefighting due to safety concerns.
“Provided we had new equipment, more training [while] fully suited would be beneficial for further strength and endurance training,” explained Chief John A. Smillie.
Additional awards will be made monthly throughout 2022. 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 2021 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
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 personalprotection.dupont.com.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials 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, healthcare and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.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, emergency medical, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical advocacy, resources, programs, and education for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.
