The Georgia-Pacific has given the Evington Fire Department $5,000 as part of their Bucket Brigade. Georgia-Pacific says the fire department is among 33 grant recipients of the program. "We have a strong relationship with our local fire departments, so we are very pleased to help them stay well-equipped," said Ashley Wright, plant manager at Georgia Pacific's Brookneal OSB facility.
The department says the grant will go toward replacing protective gear that no longer meets standards set by the National Fire Protection Association. Officials say each set of new gear costs more than $2,000.
"Some of our members can't enter structures to fight interior fires because of their outdated gear," said Fire Chief William Hall. "This grant will greatly help our members provide the best possible service to the community."
Georgia-Pacific awarded $170,000 in grants to fire departments this year. Officials say it's also the 10th anniversary of the Bucket Brigade. Over the years, Georgia-Pacific has given more than $2 million in cash and educational materials to fire departments across the country.
"Over the 10 years of our Bucket Brigade program, I'm proud that we've awarded 335 grants, representing more than 270 fire departments in our facility communities," said Jim Hannan, chief executive officer and president of Georgia-Pacific. "Our goal since the program began has been to help first responders have the equipment they need to better protect themselves, and help keep our communities safe."
Officials say grants ranged from $2,500 to $10,000 this year. They say grands are need based and are funded by Georgia-Pacific Foundation and local Georgia-Pacific facilities. Georgia-Pacific gives all grant applicants free memberships to The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), which provides access to tools, resources, programs and advocacy for first responders across the nation.