Local foundation donates money to Hattiesburg Fire Department for equipment

HATTIESBURG,Miss. - The Greater Pinebelt Foundation grant the Hattiesburg Fire Department with $5,407.75 to purchase new equipment, Wednesday.

Fireman Calvin Jones said they are in need of new equipment basics such as flashlights and gloves. “This equipment protects us. It helps us in fire scenes, motor vehicle accidents and mainly for our safety. Every equipment that we have is fire proof and safety proof for our safety and also for the victims who we help,” said Jones as he held a flashlight.

Realty Executives Broker Owner, James Stroo, said he and his colleagues discussed the need of equipment for HFD, and looked into how to give back.

“Several of the brokers, and real estate agents asked what can we do to give back to them? And the number one thing they said was you know budgets are always constrained when you have many needs. Equipment was a concern – of having up to date equipment would make the job they were doing safer for them and safer for the people they are serving,” said Stroo.

The check was presented at the No.1 Fire Station on Main Street with city leaders and officials in attendance.

“It means a lot to us. It’s almost like opening up a gift, a Christmas present for Christmas to a little kid.” Jones stated. “We will take the equipment and what we’ll do is we will train these new guys with some of our old stuff, and then we can outfit them with some of the new stuff once they graduate the academy." Fire Chief Presley also stated.

The Hattiesburg Firemen shared they are looking forward to keeping the Pinebelt safe with new equipment in hand.