Applications are now open to enter Georgia-Pacific’s Bucket Brigade, which awards grants to local fire departments for turnout gear, vehicle repair, or whatever they might need. The Bucket Brigade has awarded more than $650,000 to fire departments in more than 90 communities since the 2006 launch of the program.
“This is always a good way for GP to give back to the local community,” said Jason Daniel, manager of public affairs at the Brewton mill. “We feel like we are helping protect the community and even, potentially, some of our own employees. In fact, some of our employees work with those same volunteer fire departments.”
Anyone who would like more information can email Daniel at jason.daniel@gapac.com or come by the mill, located at 32224 Hwy. 31.
“The applications will be reviewed and a board will make the decision as to where the grants go based on need, impact and uniqueness,” Daniel said.
“Some 1.2 million American firefighters risk their lives for the sake of their neighbors, working in hazardous conditions for long irregular hours.” said Curley Dossman, President of the Georgia-Pacific Foundation.
“Seventy-two percent of those firefighters who protect our homes, children, and communities are volunteers, and many times don’t have the resources to do their jobs properly. We’re here to help.”
In the past, local fire departments have received these grants and most of them either have sent their applications in or are planning to do so. McCall Volunteer Fire Department received a check a couple of years ago as did McCall Volunteer Fire Department
“We received $10,000 a couple of years ago, which we used for turn-out gear, 200 smoke detectors that we distributed to residents,” said Charles Jackson, fire chief at McCall. “We will apply again this year.”
In the past, the grant money has been used for turn-out gear, water hoses, vehicle repair and water pumps, just to mention a few. Several fire departments in this area have received grants over the past few years. Just last year, Flomaton Fire Department won a $10,000 grant from the program.
“The Flomaton Fire Department’s need for turn-out gear in 2010 was the biggest I have seen since since I have been with the fire department,” Flomaton Fire Chief, Steven Stanton said. “With this grant we are in good financial shape for the next couple of years. It is a huge relief to the fire department and the community of Flomaton.”
Grant recipients are determined based on the severity of the needs, the impact a grant may have and the uniqueness of the submitted story. Units have until Aug. 1 to enter their applications and the winners will be announced in October.