For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Firefighters in the Dominican Republic Receive Donated Gear from Groveland Fire Department

GROVELAND – Chief Robert Lay and the Groveland Fire Department are pleased to announce that the gear they donated earlier this year, has finally made it to firefighters in the Dominican Republic.

In March, the Groveland Fire Department donated retired gear including boots, helmets, and turnout coats, to Organizacion Dominicana De Recursos Internacionales, Inc. (ODRI), a Haverhill-based charity that sends medical, fire, and rescue equipment to first responders in the Dominican Republic, where rural fire departments often respond to emergencies without boots or helmets.

When gear gets to a certain age, American fire departments replace it with brand new, state-of-the-art equipment. Unfortunately, not all departments are so lucky especially in rural areas of the Dominican Republic where some departments don’t have any gear at all.

“This time of year has us all thinking about what we are thankful for and also about those who may not be as fortunate as we have been,” Chief Lay said. “Seeing this donated gear go to such a good cause makes me feel like with have really made a difference in the lives of our fellow first responders in the Dominican Republic, and I am proud of the Groveland Fire Department for sending this retired gear to those who really need it.”

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