South Pittsburg Mountain Volunteer Fire Department

So, we know we are always asking for donations. Let me explain why we ask. We have 18 firefighters on our roster. Per NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and ISO (Insurance Service Office) every firefighter is supposed to be outfitted with a full set of Structural Firefighting Gear including SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus). These items have a life span. Structural Fire Gear is only “GOOD” for 10 years and SCBA is only “GOOD” for 15 years. Currently, everything we use is out of date except for 4 SCBAs. Those 4 SCBAs are on the last year of “LIFE”. This doesn’t mean our gear and SCBAs can not be used, its just technically, they are expired. These pieces of gear and equipment are not cheap. It takes $11,835 to fully outfit a firefighter. Here let me break this down for you:

Helmet: $475

Nomex Hood: $35

Fire Coat: $1,700

Fire Pants: $1,500

Boots: $500

Fire Gloves: $75

Extrication Gloves: $50

SCBA Kit (Pack, Mask, 2 Bottles): $7,500

Again, we have 18 firefighters, so that means to fully outfit each one it would cost us $213,030 total. That’s $198,030 more than we get a year from the county. We only get $15,000 from the county. Out of that, we must pay insurance ($10,000), utilities, and fuel. That leaves us approximately $2,500 or less a year to operate. With the $2,500 we must pay for classes for our members that the state and the federal government says everyone must have and most have to be done yearly or bi-yearly. All of this is why we put on fundraisers and ask for donations. We do apply for grants, but those are not ever a guarantee. We have received donated equipment but it's all outdated but still useable.

So, my goal this year is to raise the $250,000 to outfit everyone on the department. This money will allow us to update our gear and SCBAs. Every dollar counts and we greatly appreciate the help.