Posted: October 30, 2007 12:13:18 PM PDT
Bellingham firefighters will receive new protective turnout gear, thanks to a grant from the insurance industry.
Bratrud Middleton Insurance and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company will award a $28,745 grant to the Bellingham Fire Department for the purchase of 16 new sets of turnout gear. Turnout gear is the protective, fire-resistant clothing that firefighters wear when responding to incidents like fires or major vehicle crashes. The clothing protects them from exposure to chemicals, heat or flames.
The new gear will replace the department's most worn-out pieces - some more than 10 years old.
"Turnout gear is crucial for protecting our firefighters and this grant goes a long way in ensuring they have safe protective gear for several years to come," said Fire Chief Bill Boyd. "This specialized clothing is very expensive, which is why donations and community support like this is so important for our firefighters."
The new equipment will be presented during a special event planned for 11 a.m. Nov. 1 at the Bellingham Fire Department headquarters, 1800 Broadway, expected to be attended by Mayor Tim Douglas, Chief Boyd, Bellingham firefighters and executives from Bratrud Middleton and Fireman's Fund.
The grant package is part of a nationwide program called Fireman's Fund Heritage, funded by Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire departments. Since 2004, Fireman's Fund has issued grants to hundreds of different departments totaling more than $14 million. Independent insurance agencies that sell Fireman's Fund products are able to direct these grants to support fire stations in their communities. Bratrud Middleton was instrumental in directing this specific one to Bellingham.
"Our local firefighters deserve to be wearing the best protective equipment available," said Brent Heilesen with Bradtrud Middleton. "It's critical we provide them with this new clothing so they're safe while working to help all of us."
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Media Contact:
Fire Chief Bill Boyd
Bellingham Fire Department
676-6831 or bboyd@cob.org
Fireman's Fund Insurance Company
Atle Erlingsson, 415-899-6073
Kelly Beloit, 206-226-3118
