MSA, DuPont, and NVFC Enhance Firefighter Safety through Globe Gear Giveaway

January 10, 2023

Thirteen fire departments received much-needed new personal protective equipment in 2022 thanks to MSA and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway, in partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). In the spirit of keeping first responders safe and protected, the giveaway awarded four sets of state-of-the-art turnout gear and four new helmets to selected departments. In addition, the first 500 applicants received a complimentary membership to the NVFC, courtesy of MSA.

Too often, volunteer fire departments are forced to make do with an inadequate amount of turnouts or with worn-out, non-compliant gear they can’t afford to replace. Launched in 2012, the annual giveaway aims to change that by providing free turnout gear to fire departments in need across the U.S. and Canada. To date, 663 sets of gear have been donated to 147 departments. Helmets were added to the giveaway in 2019 when MSA found that 50 percent of program recipients did not have enough for their members. Since the program began, over $1 million worth of gear has been provided to enhance the protection of volunteer firefighters.

“We’re proud to partner with the NVFC to help improve the safety of the volunteer firefighters in the United States and Canada,” said Ben Mauti, MSA fire service segment manager, U.S. and Canada. “At MSA, helping men and women work in safety and live in health are core to our mission, and this partnership allows us to help these firefighters not just better protect themselves, but also their communities.”

“We are honored to give back in thanks to those that selflessly serve others and leverage our over 60 years of science and commitment to the fire service community in bringing trusted solutions to departments with limited resources,” said Jeffrey Fackler, business development and emergency response business director in DuPont.

“The NVFC is proud to partner with MSA and DuPont in providing essential equipment to increase the safety and wellbeing of first responders,” said NVFC chair Steve Hirsch. “These heroes put their lives on the line to protect us. It’s our duty to protect them, too.”

The need for the program is clear. According to a U.S. fire service needs assessment released by the National Fire Protection Association in December 2021, nearly two thirds of fire departments reported that some of their personal protective clothing was at least 10 years old, and among the smallest departments that number jumped to 76 percent. In addition, 13 percent of departments do not have enough personal protective clothing for all of their emergency responders, with the greatest need among departments staffed primarily by volunteer firefighters.

The recipients in the 2022 gear giveaway are as follows:

To be eligible to apply for the giveaway, departments had to be over 50 percent volunteer, serve a population of 25,000 or less, be located in the U.S. or Canada and legally organized under state/province law, be a member of the NVFC, and demonstrate significant need for new gear. MSA provided NVFC memberships to the first 500 applicants to help departments meet the membership requirement.

The application period for MSA and DuPont’s 2023 Globe Gear Giveaway will open in February. Thirteen departments will each receive four new sets of turnout gear along with four helmets to increase firefighter safety. Learn more at www.nvfc.org/globe-gear-giveaway.

About MSA
Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company’s comprehensive product line is used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, the fire service, the construction industry, mining and the military. MSA’s core products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, firefighter helmets and protective apparel, and fall protection devices. With 2021 revenues of $1.4 billion, MSA employs approximately 4,800 people worldwide. The company is headquartered north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pa., and has manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. With more than 40 international locations, MSA realizes approximately half of its revenue from outside North America. For more information visit MSA’s web site at www.MSAsafety.com.

About DuPont Personal Protection
From first responders to industrial workers, DuPont provides a wide range of personal protection solutions, including some of the most trusted and innovative brands in the industry, such as Kevlar®, Nomex®, Tyvek® and Tychem® to meet your safety needs. More information can be found at personalprotection.dupont.com.

About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.

DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, ℠ or ® are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted.

About the NVFC
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership 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 critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.