By By Lydia Grimes – features reporter
The McCall Volunteer Fire Department has been named a 2008 Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade grant winner. Georgia-Pacific has selected winners in 23 communities where the company has manufacturing facilities. More than 60 fire departments applied throughout the United States.
Now in its third year, the Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade initiative has contributed more than $300,000 to help rural and small town fire units.
The grants are used to purchase much-needed equipment (even basics such as hoses, nozzles and turnout gear) and to provide essential training that helps protect the lives and property of residents as well as the firefighters themselves.
The McCall Volunteer Fire Department serves 1500 residents in Southern Escambia County. The department performs services in the form of medical, minor HAZMAT, motor vehicle accidents and all types of fires. The grant money secured will be used to buy firefighting equipment that properly fits each firefighter; helmets, gloves, hoods and boots; aid in the purchase of fire prevention materials for homes and go toward the purchase of firefighting foam.
The Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade is a national program that recognizes the contributions of fire departments in communities with Georgia-Pacific facilities. The program supports firefighters in several areas including product and cash donations for programming and equipment, and safety education materials for presentations in local schools.
In 2008, through a new partnership formed between Georgia-Pacific and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), local Bucket Brigade winners will receive additional support. Winning fire units will now also receive membership in the leading nonprofit association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable tools, resources, programs, and advocacy for first responders across the nation.