ATHOL — The Athol Fire Department is donating surplus firefighting gear to Ecuador. The donation is being coordinated by volunteers from the Gear Up Foundation.
Gear Up takes old fire equipment that’s run its course here in the United States, and re-purposes it where its needed — not just for the United States, but also in 16 Latin American countries and counting.
National standards in the United States recommend replacement of turnout gear within a specified time frame, even if the protective clothing is still functional. Most departments have no choice but to throw it out.
Gear Up ensures that usable gear does not go to waste. And fire departments can help out their brothers and sisters in the fire service.
“This donation is going to fire departments in dire need of protective equipment” said Vincent Forras of Gear Up Foundation.
Through its network of fire instructors, the foundation deploys personnel to Central and South America to conduct training and safety advisory missions.
For more information or to schedule a donation, visit: gearupworld.org