Photos: Groveland Fire Department Donates Old Gear to Firefighters in the Dominican Republic

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

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

Groveland Fire Department Donates Old Gear to Firefighters in the Dominican Republic

GROVELAND — It’s a common sight at firehouses. Rows of boots, helmets, and turnout coats, well-worn from years of fighting building fires, rescuing victims of car accidents, and attacking brush fires.

When the gear gets to a certain age, American fire departments replace them with brand new, state-of-the-art equipment. But not all fire departments are so lucky. In fact, many fire departments have no gear at all.

Groveland Fire Chief Robert. B. Lay is proud to report that the members of the Groveland Fire Department have chosen to donate their retired fire gear to Organizacion Dominicana De Recursos Internacionales, Inc. (ODRI), a Haverhill-based charity that sends medical, fire, and rescue equipment to first responders in the Dominician Republic, where the used gear will be more than welcome to the rural fire departments there, whose firefighters often respond to emergencies without boots or helmets.

“I am proud of our firefighters for allowing their retired gear to live on with their brother and sister firefighters in the Dominican Republic,” Chief Lay said. “The Groveland Fire Department is happy to help our fellow first responders.”

ODRI is a non-profit organization, whose mission is to direct resources to communities and people in need. In the past they have sent ambulances, fire trucks, medical equipment and supplies, school supplies and sport equipment to various community groups. They also send a group of volunteers to the Dominican every July to work in the community by planting trees, doing training on emergency medicine, and distributing toys and sporting goods to children.

There are about 150 fire departments In the Dominican Republic, and many have limited equipment to work with, including many fire departments which do not have fire trucks or ambulances.

“I want to say thank you to Chief Robert B. Lay for contacting us and for his generosity to help us continue the mission to help others in need. This wonderful donation is a treasure,” said Orlando Vargas, President of ODRI. “This donation is very well-appreciated and would be distributed to different fire stations throughout the Dominican Republic.”

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