I serve as the Fire Chief for the USDA-Forest Service, Shawnee NF, in southern Illinois. I have a fire dept in my area that literally has less than $6.00 in their checking account and has only one 2000 gallon pumper/tanker combo- they are in desparate need of pagers, turnout gear, extrication equip, light rescue vehicle and a brush truck- any help to this struggling dept would be greatly appreciated- email me or call me at 618-521-6729 if you can help them out and i will put you in contact with the chief!
thanks!
Chris Peterson
Forest Fire Chief
Shawnee NF
Harrisburg, IL.
The problem is they do not have the finances to have a match--- im working with them to help heir situation, but with most federal grants they have t have a match, and with $6.00 in checking they cant do it!
Does your state have a vehicle/equipment surplus program? Some states have where agency's turn in vehicles/equipment that are to be auction or have a loan program.
Check with your local CO-OP's (electric companies), wal-mart, sams, target, state farm insurance, allstate insurance, even ford motor company has a grant you can fill out for...These are just a few and are no cost to the dept, just a little time to fill them out...Like they say if there is a will.....There is a way...Good luck to you brother...
Have you or they checked with the "Terry Farrell" fund..? It is a group of people that make equipment available at NO COST to departments in need...it is in memory of a Firefighter lost in the 9-11 attacks on the Towers...I know several departments that have been given all sorts of equipment...and no it isn't junk.....There is a web site that I am sure you can google easily....Good luck........Paul
Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund
1912 Wantagh Avenue
Wantagh, NY 11793
(516) 783-1996
terryfund@verizon.net
Contact Brian or Terry and then send them a letter as to things you might be looking for. Check out my site and see the inflatable we received from them. They are doing great things.