Each year Diboll and Lufkin firefighters respond to hundreds of calls for help. Whether it is structure fires, hazardous spills, or traffic accidents, firefighters put their lives on the line every day to help others. Georgia-Pacific appreciates the hard work of area firefighters and understands the importance of investing in the vital services they provide. Recently, the local building products manufacturer donated $18,000 to the Diboll and Lufkin fire departments to help them gain access to new equipment and life-saving training.
According to Diboll Volunteer Fire Chief Gary Jones, the funding is critical to his organization. “We usually respond to approximately 100 structure and brush fires on an annual basis. Additionally, we are called out to help with motor vehicle accidents,” said Jones. “With the large amount of calls—whether they are fire-related or assisting fellow emergency responders in other areas—we are challenged each year to fund our operations. Two-thirds of the nation’s firefighters are volunteers; therefore, organizations like the Diboll Volunteer Department don’t have access to government funding and are dependent upon local grants and donations.”
Georgia-Pacific is a continuous supporter of the Diboll Volunteer Fire Department. This year the company donated $10,000 to the organization. “As a company with three major facilities and close to 300 employees in Diboll, it is reassuring to know that if there is an emergency we can count on the Diboll Volunteer Fire Department,” said David Thelen, Georgia-Pacific Particleboard Plant Manager. “We appreciate the countless hours these volunteer firefighters contribute to our city each year.”
Operating from five emergency stations throughout the city, The Lufkin Fire Department answers approximately 13,000 calls each year. It is a full-service operation offering fire suppression rescue, emergency medical services with paramedics and ambulances, a hazardous materials team and fire inspections. This year Georgia-Pacific is donating $8,000 to the Lufkin Fire Department which will fund new equipment and protective gear.
“Although we are a department of the city, it is equally important to have external funds to cover additional equipment and training,” said Ted Lovett, Lufkin Fire Chief. “Equipment can be extremely expensive and cost prohibitive, but thanks to donors, like Georgia-Pacific, we are able to attain additional items and on-going education needed to help make our job safer and more efficient.”
According to Georgia-Pacific Lufkin Chemical Plant Manager Rick Robbins, supporting the Lufkin Fire Department is one of the most important contributions his plant makes each year. “We are privileged to have such an innovative and aggressive group of men and women on the front lines protecting our homes and businesses. We are proud to continue our strong partnership with the city and its firefighters.”
Since 2006, Georgia-Pacific has contributed more than $2 million to fire departments across the nation to purchase protective clothing and replace damaged safety gear and aging equipment.
