F.F.A.M.

Globe Awards Turnout Gear

Since 2012, Globe by MSA, DuPont Protection Solutions (DuPont), and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have partnered to provide 403 sets of new, state-of-the-art turnout gear to volunteer fire departments in need. An additional 13 departments in the U.S. and Canada will each receive four sets of gear through the 2018 Globe Gear Giveaway Program. The Pattonsburg Fire and Rescue Protection District was selected to be outfitted with four sets of new Globe turnout gear.

“MSA and Globe’s mission is to see to it that men and women live and work in safety and health, and that speaks to the heart of exactly why we’re proud to support the NVFC,” said Globe chief operating officer Tom Vetras. “Firefighters deserve nothing less than the very best personal protective equipment. Our Globe Gear Giveaway program – in partnership with DuPont – is just one of the ways we’re happy to support the many NVFC initiatives that help improve volunteer firefighters’ overall health, wellness, and safety.” The Pattonsburg Fire and Rescue Protection District has 22 volunteer firefighters who protect a population of 1,900 on nearly 130 square miles. The Pattonsburg community rests next to the heavily traveled Interstate 35 in northern Missouri, where millions of vehicles travel each year. Because of the highway, the department’s firefighters must be prepared to respond to the same kinds of emergency situations that a major metropolitan department may face, such as fires, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials spills, and more, but with limited resources.

All of the turnout gear the department currently has is at least 14 years old. While the volunteers have worked hard to keep them maintained, many of the sets are becoming thread bare from use. Decreasing revenue over the past several years has made it impossible for the department to purchase new gear.

Being awarded four sets of new gear is a godsend for our department,” said First Assistant Chief Richard W. Mooney. “We can now replace at least four of the most worn-out sets that are currently in use, making it so much safer for our “first in – last out” volunteers!”

“Having standards-compliant, well-fitting gear is a critical component to keeping firefighters safe, healthy, and ready to respond,” said NVFC Chair Kevin D. Quinn. “We appreciate the efforts and generosity of Globe, MSA, and DuPont to help departments keep our boots on the ground safe and protected through this invaluable program.”

To be eligible to apply for new turnout gear through the 2018 Globe Gear Giveaway Program, departments had to be all-volunteer or mostly-volunteer, serve a population of 25,000 or less, be legally organized in the U.S. or Canada, and be a member of the NVFC. To help departments meet this last requirement, Globe sponsored NVFC Department Memberships for the first 500 applicants.