Protective clothing, hoses, radio equipment and cutting gear will benefit national fire and rescue service
A Cosham firefighter has achieved his aim of sending equipment to help those who save lives in Ghana.
Storms Menri launched a fundraising drive to pay for redundant Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) kit and other donated equipment to reach those in need.
And with generous support from Portsmouth firm Portico, and charity FIRE AID, a shipping container full of personal protective equipment, hoses, cutting gear and other items, is now on its way to the country.
Storms said:
“My main drive for this project has been knowing the impact it will make to society. This essential equipment will improve the capabilities of the Ghana National Fire and Rescue Service, helping them to save more lives and operate in a safe manner.
“I appreciate the amazing support from Portico, FIRE AID, HIWFRS and all our generous donors that contributed to make this phase of the project a reality.
“We are also now engaging with the teams in Ghana for an opportunity to have an input in their firefighting training in the near future.”
Cosham Station Manager, Steve Jenkins, said:
“We are fortunate to have all the tools and training we need to make the job as safe as possible.
“It’s great to see Storms going above and beyond to help others who don’t have the protective equipment and clothing firefighters need to stay safe at incidents.
“The kit which our teams across Hampshire and Isle of Wight no longer require will make a huge difference to our fellow firefighters out in Ghana.”
During a recent trip to the country, Storms saw for himself how hard the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) personnel work to protect their communities, even though they have limited access to protective equipment such as fire-proof tunics, trousers, helmets, gloves and boots.
In contrast, Storms and his HIWFRS colleagues are never without their personal protective equipment to keep them safe.
To assist with this incredible effort, Portico has covered the cost of customs clearance of the container of equipment, along with the cost of the container itself and the shipping fee.
Matt Green, key account manager at Portico said:
“I’m delighted to see this container of safety gear heading to Ghana from our terminal, and I’m pleased we’ve been able to help by paying for the shipping and customs costs for the container of equipment.
“We hope that this delivery will help the brave firefighters of the GNFS carry out their jobs with more confidence, knowing that they are kitted out in the right protective equipment.”
Claire Hoyland from FIRE AID added:
“First responders in many developing countries endeavour to save lives every day while they themselves work without basic personal protective equipment. Not only are they risking their own lives every day, but they are unable to provide proper care to victims in need which, in turn, means lives are lost that could have been saved.
“FIRE AID and International Development donates decommissioned but still perfectly useable fire and rescue equipment alongside professional training to firefighters in desperate need, saving this valuable equipment from scrap and allowing it to go on and save more lives.”
