Hamilton Fire Department donates gear to Ukrainian counterparts

HAMILTON, ON - Hamilton Fire Department is assisting first responders in Ukraine by providing critical personal protective gear to support their efforts at home to serve and protect residents of Ukraine.

At a brief ceremony in Council Chambers today, Mayor Fred Eisenberger joined by Hamilton Fire Chief David Cunliffe donated a substantial amount of out of service Firefighting personal protective equipment to Firefighters Without Borders.

Today’s donation includes eight shipping pallets of gear which is said to be able to support a region in Ukraine includes approximately:  

• 500 sets of Bunker Gear

• 45 Helmets

• 266 Firefighter Gloves

• 53 protective hoods

• 120 Nomex Coveralls

• 21 Harnesses

While the gear is no longer suitable for service in Hamilton, given the conditions in Ukraine, it is anticipated that the gear will provide years of valuable service to first responders as they serve and protect residents. When it comes to donated equipment FWB helps to refurbish (where required) and repurpose valuable firefighting equipment to help build the firefighting capacity of communities around the world.

Quick Facts

• In Ontario the maximum life cycle of the gear is about 10 years on personal protective gear, while gear is past that period it will still provide ample protection to our colleagues who are in great need of gear. 

• Firefighters Without Borders (FWB) is a non-profit organization based in Ontario that provides training and equipment donations to communities throughout Canada and in countries all around the world.  When it comes to donated equipment FWB helps to refurbish and repurpose valuable firefighting equipment where needed to help build the firefighting capacity of communities around the world.