MSA Safety, DuPont Personal Protection and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has announced the latest recipients of new turnout gear and helmets through MSA and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway.
Upper Deerfield Volunteer Company #3 (Bridgeton, NJ) and Southern Jackson County Volunteer Fire Department (Kenna, WV) will each receive four new sets of Globe turnout gear and four MSA Cairns fire helmets to provide protection to their volunteer firefighters.
Now in its 14th year, the giveaway program has awarded 767 sets of gear and 312 helmets to 173 volunteer fire departments. In 2025, another 13 departments will be awarded four sets of gear and four helmets each. Announcements are being made monthly from July through December.
MSA Safety also provided the first 500 applicants with a complimentary membership in the NVFC.
Upper Deerfield Volunteer Company #3 serves Cumberland County, NJ. The department’s 19 volunteers respond to over 400 calls annually, including fires, industrial and agricultural accidents, hazardous materials incidents and rescue operations.
They also serve as the designated search and rescue team for Cumberland and neighboring counties.
Following the closure of one of Upper Deerfield’s three fire stations due to financial strain, Station #3 has taken on an expanded service area.
Despite their increased responsibilities, the department operates with a minimal annual budget and outdated gear.
Six members are using gear that is over 10 years old and the department cannot afford to provide boots, gloves, or hoods to its firefighters.
Lieutenant and Safety Officer John O’Neill shared: “Many of our members are wearing expired or ill-fitting gear, which limits their ability to respond safely and confidently.
O’Neill shared how he believes that the new gear will help ensure the department can continue to meet the needs of the communities it serves.
Located in rural West Virginia, Southern Jackson County Volunteer Fire Department protects a population of 6,200 across 120 square miles. The department’s 38 volunteers respond to approximately 600 calls annually. Despite their high call volume, the department operates with turnout gear that is 20 years old or older.
With only 28 sets of turnout gear available, 10 volunteers must share, limiting who can respond to calls or attend trainings. The department has had to turn away prospective volunteers due to a lack of gear and has struggled to secure new funding.
Repeated attempts to secure grants have not been successful and ongoing vehicle loan payments have made purchasing new gear impossible.
Chief Lori Pierson said: “Receiving this gear would immediately increase our available manpower and ensure that all our firefighters can safely respond and train.
“It would enhance our service to the community and let our members know that their safety matters.”
MSA Safety, DuPont Personal Protection and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has announced the latest recipients of new turnout gear and helmets through MSA and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway.
