South Huntingdon fire department purchases gear for firefighters

The Turkeytown Volunteer Fire Department in South Huntingdon will purchase more than $30,000 worth of gear thanks to a grant from a Florida-based nonprofit.

The $30,500 grant from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation will cover the cost of seven sets of bunker gear. Each set includes a jacket, pants, hood, gloves, helmet and boots.

The new equipment will help the fire department protect its members from the hazards and chemicals of fires, said fire Chief Dan Pergola Jr.

“We’ve had numerous structure fires and it puts wear and tear on our equipment,” Pergola said. “We greatly appreciate Firehouse Subs and the grant that we received from them.”

Protective fire gear is expensive, Pergola said. The grant will help free up the department’s budget so that it can support other expenses as they arise.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation generates funding for first responders to carry out their duties to the community they serve. Since its inception in 2005, it has given more than $77 million to first responders across the country.

According to the nonprofit’s website, its funding goes toward equipment, prevention education, scholarships for continued education, disaster relief and support for military members.

To donate to the nonprofit, visit firehousesubsfoundation.org/donate/.