Friendship Fire Puts New Equipment Into Service

A Next Level Firefighting Grant funded new equipment for 15 firefighters.

Photo by the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department.

(Friendship, Ind.) – A project sponsored by Governor Eric Holcomb has helped provide new gear to the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department (FVFD).

This week, the FVFD put into service 15 sets of personal protective equipment, which was funded through a Next Level Firefighting Grant.

To protect firefighters from head to toe, the equipment includes a helmet, hood, coat, pants, gloves and boots - and new Scott SCBA for each of the 15 firefighters.

According to the FVFD, it costs over $11,000 to outfit a single fireman with basic equipment.

“Thanks to those who advocated for our application and thanks to everyone who supports our efforts. If your home or property is protected by a volunteer fire department, get out and support them. Go to their dinners, ice cream socials, bingo nights, fruit sales, rides, fish fries, and buy those raffle tickets. Every department is needing updated equipment, trucks and members. Stand up and be a part of protecting your community even if you can’t put the gear on,” said the FVFD in a Facebook post.