Scott Safety, a global manufacturer of respiratory and personal protective equipment and safety devices, together with the National Firefighters Endowment (NFE), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the lives of firefighters, today announced the recipients of their “Budget Tight?” grant program, an opportunity for fire training academies and departments to receive free updated SCBA equipment. After reviewing more than 160 submissions from across the U.S., Scott Safety and NFE selected the following eight winning firefighter organizations to receive donated equipment:
1. Buchanan Valley Volunteer Fire Department (Orrtanna, PA)
2. Sierra College Regional Fire Academy (Rocklin, CA)
3. Youngstown City Schools – Public Safety Program (Youngstown, OH)
4. Hooks N Irons Training, LLC (Lewisville, TX)
5. Southwestern Community College – Public Safety Training Center (Sylva, NC)
6. North Bollinger County Fire Protection District (Patton, MO)
7. St. Louis Community College (St. Louis, MO)
8. Durham Technical Community College (Durham, NC)
Winning recipients were selected based on demonstrated need. Youngstown City Schools Public Safety Program in Youngstown, Ohio was among those chosen. They are currently in the process of adding Level 1 and Level II fire certification classes to prepare their high school seniors for a career in firefighting.
“We are in a low-income area in Youngstown where 100-percent of our students receive free breakfast and lunch,” said Youngstown Public Safety Instructor Kristy Olinik. “We have dedicated students who, I believe, if given the opportunity to develop leadership and self-worth through this program, will have a future. However, the cost to start this program (working with the Youngstown City Fire Department as our charter) is extremely expensive. I have dreams for the future of this program and any assistance that I can get to inspire our youth and build a successful fire-training academy would be appreciated. I know this will benefit these youths, providing them with a life-long career while keeping them off the streets.”
“This is a tremendous offer and helps us meet our goals of training tomorrow’s firefighters,” said Dominic Orlando, lead instructor at Durham Technical Fire Academy, one of the grant recipients chosen. “You cannot imagine the relief it is to know that we now have dependable air packs. These will be invaluable to our academy and will ensure our cadets train with safe equipment. On behalf of Durham Tech, Program Director Clint Briggs, and the other academy instructors, thank you!”
“There is a tremendous gap between resources in-hand and actual resources required,” said National Firefighters Endowment President and Executive Director Shane Parkins. “Unique funding opportunities like the Budget Tight program help bridge that gap by identifying departments with the greatest need. Through the generosity of companies like Scott Safety, we are able to put fire equipment in the hands of next-generation firefighters, making a significant impact on both individuals and entire communities.”
In addition to its “Budget Tight?” grant program in partnership with the NFE, Scott Safety has provided free equipment to many deserving firefighter organizations nationwide. This summer alone, Scott Safety’s donation efforts have totaled $2.3 million.
About Scott Safety
Scott Safety, based in Monroe, N.C., is a premier manufacturer of innovative respiratory and personal protective equipment and safety devices for emergency services and first-responders including firefighters, industrial workers, law enforcement, military, civil defense, national security and rescue teams around the world. With five global manufacturing locations, Scott products protect thousands of individuals each day from environmental hazards that are inherent in the industries which they serve. The Scott product line includes self-contained breathing apparatus, supplied air and air-purifying respirators, gas detection instruments, thermal imaging cameras, and firefighter locators. For more information, visit www.ScottSafety.com.
