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Mitch Mesenchuk of PAGC Protective Services receives the donated equipment from the La Ronge Regional Fire Department. Submitted photo/La Ronge Fire Department.
new gear

Hall Lake, PAGC receive $80,000 firefighting equipment donation

Mar 6, 2021 | 3:35 PM

The La Ronge Regional Fire Department is donating approximately $80,000 worth of firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) to Hall Lake and the Prince Albert Grand Council.

“The donated equipment originates from the result of our fire department receiving our new structural firefighting PPE earlier this year, which replaced all of our PPE that reached their 10-year life span,” Fire Chief Keaton Cloud said. “The donated PPE are the ones that have reached the end of service and we have quite a large inventory.”

Cloud explained the donation consists of structural firefighter boots, pants, coats, and helmets. He noted it costs an average of $3,000 to equip a single firefighter.

The fire department in Hall Lake received their donated equipment from the La Ronge Regional Fire Department. Submitted photo/La Ronge Fire Department.

Such donations were sent overseas in the past, but Cloud said Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) departments were given priority this time. He also wanted to make sure departments in northern Saskatchewan that couldn’t afford the latest gear we’re going without.

“I contacted the LLRIB to send a list of needs and Hall Lake Fire Department had requested several sets,” Cloud said. “After that, I reached out to Prince Albert Grand Council and offered our very large remaining inventory of PPE to distribute to their departments.”

Since firefighting gear is so expensive, Cloud said quite often departments like Hall Lake or departments in PAGC may have trouble finding gear that properly fits or isn’t damaged. He said the PPE from La Ronge is well taken care of despite reaching its lifespan.

“I think having something is better than nothing at all,” Cloud said. “This gear will continue on for several more years to come.”

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno