Volunteer Fire Departments in Maine and Virginia Awarded New Sets of Protective Gear
July 14, 2026
The first round of awards has been made in MSA’s 2026 Globe Gear Giveaway. Each year, MSA Safety partners with Nomex® and Kevlar® for Personal Protection and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to help volunteer fire departments enhance their readiness with a donation of new Globe® turnout gear and MSA Cairns® helmets.
Mariaville (ME) Volunteer Fire Department and Blandy County (VA) Volunteer Fire Department have each been awarded four sets of turnout gear and helmets. A total of 13 departments will receive gear in 2026. Since the program began in 2012, more than $2 million worth of gear has been donated, helping to ensure volunteer firefighters have the protection they need to serve their communities.
“This is the fifteenth year of the Globe Gear Giveaway, and the NVFC is extremely proud to have been part of the program from the beginning,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “We thank MSA Safety and Nomex® and Kevlar® for Personal Protection for their longstanding commitment to the volunteer fire service and firefighter safety. Thanks to this program, hundreds of responders are better prepared and equipped to help their neighbors in need.”
Read about the latest recipients below, and stay tuned to the NVFC website and newsletter for monthly announcements throughout the year.
Mariaville Volunteer Fire Department
The Mariaville Volunteer Fire Department has 18 active members that provides fire, EMS, search and rescue, and other emergency response to the Maine communities of Mariaville and Otis. In addition, as the only department in the area that has interior-certified firefighters, they also provide mutual aid and coverage to neighboring towns. Located in a small, rural area with a population of about 1,200 year-long residents and a summer tourist surge, the department’s budget is just enough to cover basic operating expenses but little else. The department relies on grants to replace and update critical equipment and gear.
Several of the department’s most active firefighters are using gear that is already expired or will be expiring within the year. Having these interior firefighters unable to perform their jobs would severely limit the department’s ability to effectively respond to fire calls. “Without our department, residents here would be waiting 30-40 minutes or more for response from the nearest career department,” explained Lieutenant Scott Helstrom.
The donation of the new turnout gear and helmets will have a significant impact on the department, enabling their firefighters to continue to fully serve the local communities.
Bland County Volunteer Fire Department
Located in the mountains of southwest Virginia, the Bland County Volunteer Fire Department is 100 percent volunteer and dedicated to serving approximately 6,000 residents spread across a large geographic area. The department responds to a wide range of hazards including structure fire, vehicle accidents, wildland and brush fires, medical assist calls, and hazmat incidents.
The department is actively recruiting volunteers, but outfitting these new members has been a significant challenge. “Inadequate or outdated gear directly impacts our ability to train and operate safely,” said Fire Chief Jonathan Dunn. “Without properly fitted, NFPA-compliant protective equipment, recruits cannot participate fully in live fire training, interior structural firefighting, or hands-on emergency scenario drills.”
The new gear and helmets will strengthen the department’s operational readiness, allow them to fully equip and train new members, and increase the number of interior-qualified firefighters available per call. “Properly equipped volunteers means faster response, stronger fireground operations, and better protection for the citizens who depend on us. Investing in protective gear is an investment in both firefighter safety and the long-term resilience of our department and community,” said Dunn.
About Globe Manufacturing Company and MSA Safety
Globe Manufacturing Company, a leader in fire service protective clothing, is a subsidiary of MSA Safety Incorporated. MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE: MSA) is the global leader in advanced safety products, technologies and solutions. Driven by its singular mission of safety, the company has been at the forefront of safety innovation since 1914, protecting workers and facility infrastructure around the world across a broad range of diverse end markets while creating sustainable value for shareholders. With 2025 revenues of $1.9 billion, MSA Safety is headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania and employs a team of more than 5,300 associates across its more than 40 international locations. For more information, please visit www.MSAsafety.com.
About Arclin
Arclin is a leading materials science company and manufacturer of polymer technologies, engineered products, and specialized materials for the construction, agriculture, transportation infrastructure, weather & fire protection, pharmaceutical, nutrition, electronics, design, and other industries. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Arclin has offices and manufacturing facilities across North & South America, Europe, and Asia and serves customers worldwide.
Arclin’s lineup of Fire & Safety products—including Nomex® and Kevlar®—create a superior thermal barrier, ensuring long-term reliability for life-saving applications and high-stakes environments. For more information, please visit https://www.arclin.com/industries/fire-safety/.
Kevlar® and Nomex® are registered trademarks of Arclin.
About the NVFC
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.
