In a generous effort, the Indian Lake Volunteer Fire Department in Cass County has donated approximately 20 sets of used firefighter gear to Bo, Sierra Leone’s second-largest city.
This marks the second occasion the department has extended its support to Sierra Leone, having previously sent supplies to Freetown, the country’s capital.
Fire Chief Andrew Hartman emphasized the importance of the National Fire Protection Agency’s ten-year equipment update requirement, leaving departments like Indian Lake with surplus gear.
“If it’s not donated, it will have no purpose,” Chief Hartman declared, highlighting their commitment to ensuring the gear serves a meaningful cause.
Collaborating with Christians in Action Mission, the donations were coordinated with the assistance of missionaries Elmer and Joanne Reifel, who are stationed in Sierra Leone. The Reifels eagerly embraced the opportunity when notified about the surplus equipment.
Reflecting on the impact of the previous donation, Joanne Reifel shared, “The last shipment arrived just in time, about a week before Sierra Leone faced significant fires. The equipment played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of firefighters and aiding in the firefighting efforts during subsequent incidents.”
Fire Chief Hartman expressed the department’s enthusiasm for such charitable initiatives, stating, “It not only raises morale for my crew but feels good to know that we are making a big difference in a community across the world.”
He further emphasized the significance of the donation for the recipients in Bo, noting that many of them currently lack proper firefighting gear.
“This is huge for them and helps keep them safer, and I mean that’s what we’re all here for,” Hartman added.
The Indian Lake Volunteer Fire Department hopes that this donation will empower the firefighters in Bo to respond to fires and emergencies more efficiently and safely.
The shipment is expected to reach its destination in three or four months, further extending the bond of global solidarity in times of need.
Source: WSBT 22
