Since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005, Hancock Hope has been helping fire departments through tough times. Whether the need is long term manpower, equipment, or gear, Hancock Hope finds a way to make it happen.

Hurricane Sandy is no different. Joining hundreds of firefighters from all over the country who have descended on the New York/ New Jersey area, members of Hancock Hope’s National Response Team will travel from Alplaus Fire Department (Albany,NY) to a distribution center in Queens,NY being run by Glendale Volunteer Ambulance Corps. From there, the items will be sent to several departments based on priority.

Led by Chief Andrew Coppola and Captain Scott Runkel, the team will bring with them a set of Hurst tools, twenty sets of turnout gear, and several boxes of much needed medical supplies. While there, they will assess the any needs and discuss any further requests of command.

Hancock Hope is based out of Buffalo, NY with six satellite bases throughout the United States from which supplies and equipment are shipped. If you would like to help Hancock Hope, or specifically be part of helping firefighters in need, visit their new website at hancockhope.org or call Executive Director Dan Macakanja at 716-952-4575.