Wahkiakum District 2 Fire Department receives $5,000 grant

Wahkiakum District 2 Fire Department is among 50 grant recipients of Georgia-Pacific's Bucket Brigade program this year. The department was awarded $5,000 to help fund turn out gear.

"Safety is very important to us. Wahkiakum District 2 is solely staffed by community volunteers. We are pleased that with this grant the department can purchase new turn out gear to make it safer for these first responders, who selflessly volunteer their time to serve the community with rescue and firefighting assistance," said Wauna Mill Public Affairs Manager, Kristi Ward.

This year, Georgia-Pacific awarded $235,500 in grants to fire departments for equipment critical to firefighters' safety. Since the program started in 2006, Georgia-Pacific has given more than $1.5 million to fire departments that serve the company's facility communities across the country.

"Every year, we receive applications from hundreds of fire departments, often requesting very basic items to do their jobs," said Jim Hannan, chief executive officer and president of Georgia-Pacific. "It's critical that we help meet the needs of first responders who are in harm's way and make our communities safer every day."

The Bucket Brigade grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are based on need and are funded by the Georgia-Pacific Foundation and local Georgia-Pacific facilities. Funds are typically used to purchase new protective clothing and replace items such as damaged safety gear and aging equipment.

Additionally, Georgia-Pacific gives all grant applicants free memberships to The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), which provides access to tools, resources, programs and advocacy for first-responders across the nation.