(Flanders, IN) – Just in time for Fire Safety Week, Friendship Volunteer Fire Department was one of 100 volunteer fire departments nationwide to receive a $10,000 grant through State Farm’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.
The department will use the money to purchase a washing machine to clean firefighting equipment after building and vehicle fires.
Firefighters said their protective gear became coated with dangerous combustion byproducts. These byproducts contain many known carcinogens, and cancer is one of the leading causes of death among firefighters. Officials say it is critical that all possible measures are taken to protect volunteers.
“We are proud to serve our community and help our neighbors get through the worst day of their lives. This project will help protect our volunteers and reduce preventable risks,” said Chief Keith Sieverding. “We sincerely thank the National Volunteer Fire Council and State Farm for this grant and support of our efforts in Friendship and the surrounding area.”
The Friendship Volunteer Fire Department serves most of Brown Township in Ripley County and all of Caesar Creek Township in Dearborn County.
Its volunteers respond to a variety of emergencies, including medical emergencies as well as brush/grass, vehicle and structure fires. The department provides mutual aid to other agencies in Ripley and Dearborn counties, as well as Ohio, Swiss and Jefferson counties.
The insurance giant partnered with the National Volunteer Fire Council to provide a $1 million grant to help local fire departments purchase the equipment they need to improve the safety, efficiency and ability of rescue crews to serve their communities.
Radio Station WRBI 133 S. Main Street, Batesville, IN 47006 812-934-5111 Contact Us Decatur County Toll Free 812-222-8000 |
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Post time: Oct-08-2024