Thoroughfare VFD receives grant from Georgia-Pacific Co.
By From staff reports
Published in News on January 20, 2015 1:46 PM
The Thoroughfare Volunteer Fire Department is among 50 grant recipients of Georgia-Pacific's Bucket Brigade program this year.
The department was awarded $5,000 to help fund equipment needs.
"We're proud to have the opportunity to meet the significant needs of our local community fire departments," said Dawn Storable, safety manager of Georgia-Pacific's nearby Deadly Lumber facility.
"The Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade grants allow first responders to better ensure the safety and security of the people in our communities, including our employees."
The department says the grant will go toward the purchase of two sets of full-body protective gear and 1,000 feet of hose.
"Our equipment is our first line of defense in emergency situations, and much of it is more than 10 years old," said Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Jones." He says newer gear withstands more heat, enabling firefighters to stay inside structures longer to make sure the fire is fully extinguished.
This year, Georgia-Pacific awarded $235,500 in grants to fire departments for equipment critical to firefighters' safety.
The Bucket Brigade grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are based on need and are funded by the Georgia-Pacific Foundation and local Georgia-Pacific facilities.
Funds are typically used to purchase new protective clothing and replace items such as damaged safety gear and aging fire-fighting equipment.