LUMBERTON — Lumberton Rescue and Emergency Medical Services received a $5,000 Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade Grant on Thursday to help replace multi-risk helmets used by first responders in the event of vehicle extrication, high angle and water rescues.
“This grant from Georgia-Pacific will enable us to safely perform our mission and protect the volunteers that are responding to emergencies within our community,” said Robert Ivey Jr., unit commander.
The unit’s multi-risk helmets have been in use for 10 years.
“Our resources are thin, and we must provide our responders with equipment that can provide the maximum amount of safety to them,” Ivey said. “This allows them the benefits of performing at high levels without the fear of equipment failure.”
The rescue unit was among 30 fire departments receiving grants this year.
Grants are based on department needs and are funded by the Georgia-Pacific Foundation and its local facilities. Funds are typically used to buy new protective clothing and replace damaged safety gear and aging equipment.
“Georgia-Pacific is committed to supporting organizations in our communities that enhance education, community enrichment, entrepreneurship, and the environment,” said Chuck Oxendine, mill manager at GP Cellulose in Lumberton. “Lumberton Rescue and EMS is a key community partner that delivers support services for people in our community.”
The Bucket Brigade program has awarded more than $190,000 in grants this year to departments for equipment critical to firefighter’s safety. Since the program’s start in 2006, the company has donated more than $2.75 million in funding and educational materials to hundreds of fire departments that serve in the company’s facility communities across the country.
Georgia-Pacific also gives all grant applicants free memberships to The National Volunteer Fire Council, which provides access to tools, resources, programs and advocacy for first responders across the nation.
