Outdated firefighting equipment that no longer meets code and has sat unused in storage will be donated to Mexico.
"As a regional effort, all of the Mountain View County fire departments would like to donate four to five sets of gear to Mexico,” Coun. Cheri Funke told her council colleagues during the March 6 meeting, reading a letter of request from Sundre’s fire Chief Marty Butts.
Olds Fire Department has made arrangements in collaboration with the Rotary Club to deliver a pumper truck, she said, adding members of the local chapter of the international non-profit organization intend to drive the vehicle to Mexico.
Departments in other towns throughout the county would also like to donate equipment that has become outdated and no longer meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, she said.
"Any gear over 10 years old cannot be used, therefore it won’t cause any shortages in our department,” she said.
"Mexico does not follow NFPA standards, nor any standards at all, so any equipment is better than the shorts and flip-flops some of the departments use. This of course will be dependent on Mountain View County,” but the response from the Fire Advisory Committee was favourable, she said.
The councillor made a motion to donate the outdated turnout gear — including items such as helmets, pants, coats, boots and gloves — that no longer meet code to Mexico.
"This has been going on for quite some time in the province of Alberta through the Rotary Club,” said Coun. Richard Warnock, adding that while Sundre has not participated in this program in the past, other municipalities such as Olds and Didsbury have.
"This equipment is just sitting upstairs in the Sundre fire hall offering no value,” he said.
"I’m in support of this (motion) because we might as well get this (equipment) out there and get it used.”
Funke added the gear would otherwise be destined for the landfill if it is not donated. Council unanimously carried her motion.
