Firefighters from throughout Columbia County, as well as departments from Greene and Washington counties, are giving away old firefighting equipment that is older than the regulated lifespan.
The surplus equipment, which has exceeded the 10-year lifespan allowed by the National Fire Protection Association, is being shipped to the Bahamas where the equipment will be used to help build a new fire department by the International Fire Relief Mission (IFRM), said Paul D’Onofrio, a Greenport Fire Department volunteer firefighter.
More than 200 turnout coats, 105 bunker pants, 127 helmets, 112 pairs of rubber boots and 25 pairs of leather boots are being taken by Con-Way Freight to the International Fire Relief Mission in Minnesota and its warehouse. From there, the equipment will be sent to the Bahamas. Con-Way Freight is donating the cost of the transportation.
“It’s a good thing,” Salvatore said. “There are people who can’t afford it who need it.”
