As reported by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the CHEMTREC HELP (Hazmat Emergencies Local Preparedness) Award is available for the sixth consecutive year.
This initiative, a collaboration between CHEMTREC and the NVFC, aims to support volunteer fire departments in the United States by providing grants for hazardous materials response training and equipment.
With an increasing number of hazmat incidents annually, these funds are critical in ensuring departments are well-prepared.
In 2024, six volunteer fire departments will each receive $10,000, thanks to contributions from CHEMTREC and its supporters, including the American Chemistry Council, Dow, and LyondellBasell.
Since the program’s inception, 17 departments have benefited from a total of $165,000 in grants.
The application period for the 2024 HELP Award runs from June 1 to September 1.
To qualify, departments must be composed of more than 50% volunteers, serve a population of 25,000 or less, and have an annual revenue not exceeding $250,000.
Additionally, the department must be located in the United States and legally organized under state law.
Tribal entities recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) are also eligible.
Applicants must be NVFC members, and the application essay should detail how the award will improve their hazmat response capabilities.
Only one application per department will be accepted.
Full criteria and application details are available at www.chemtrec.com/helpaward.
The NVFC has opened the second entry period for the MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet Giveaway.
This giveaway is available to volunteer firefighters who are NVFC members, offering them a chance to win a fire helmet designed to meet modern fire service needs while maintaining a traditional look.
This year, four opportunities to win the helmet are scheduled, with one winner selected randomly after each entry period.
The first winner, Justin Willis, captain of the Oakdale (LA) Volunteer Fire Department, has already been announced.
The current entry period ends on June 30, and interested firefighters can enter at www.nvfc.org/helmet.
Applicants for the MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet Giveaway must be active U.S.
volunteer firefighters and members of the NVFC.
The iconic helmet combines traditional design with innovative features to address contemporary fire service challenges.
This giveaway supports the ongoing efforts of volunteer firefighters by providing them with essential gear.
Winners of the helmet giveaway are announced after each entry period, with the next opportunity to win closing on June 30.
Volunteer firefighters can learn more and submit their entries at the NVFC website.
