By By Lydia Grimes – features reporter
Members of the Brewton Leadership Class are hoping to help area firefighters with a special fundraising project this year.
The class has decided to buy 13 lightweight extrication suits for its project this year. Both the Brewton Fire Department and the East Brewton Fire Department will benefit with the lighter suits which, according to fire chief Lawrence Weaver, will cost from $300 to $400 each.
The Class of 2007-2008 is the 11th class of the program of the Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce and is accepting donations from the public to help on this year's project.
Participation in the leadership class involves many aspects, including identifying a local need, developing a plan to meet that need, and securing funds to complete the project. After considering a number of worthy causes, the current class has decided to provide needed equipment for the Brewton and East Brewton Fire Departments.
One of this year's class members is Dylan Bryd, who is a member of the Brewton Fire Department and knows what is needed most by firefighters.
Firefighters are required to wear the heavy turn-out gear when they respond to a fire, but in cases where fire is not involved, the lightweight suits will give the firefighter the ease of movement and will be much cooler.
The leadership class has chosen, with the approval and support of the two fire departments, to provide 13 lightweight suits to Brewton and East Brewton Fire Departments. This means that all the regular firefighters will be able to have a new suit. The estimated cost of the project is $6,000.
The class this year includes Lee Barrentine, Kerry Whipple Bean, Christy Black, Dylan Byrd, Melanie Harrison, Lillian Heller, Michelle Jones, Kevin Kelley, Leigh Moore and Larry Woods.
Donations may be made at the office of the Chamber of Commerce and checks should be payable to Leadership Brewton.