Rensselaerville Fire Receives Turnout Gear Grant From Gary Sinise Foundation

The Rensselaerville Fire Company recently received a grant through the Gary Sinise Foundation that provided three complete sets of Innotex turnout gear for its firefighters.The foundation supports first responders, veterans and their families.

Rensselaerville Fire serves approximately 900 residents across nearly 27 square miles. The company has approximately 30 members, including about 15 active interior and exterior firefighters and one EMT. Operating an engine, engine-tanker and brush truck, the company responds to approximately 60 calls annually. The grant comes as rising equipment costs continue to challenge rural volunteer departments working to provide firefighters with modern protective gear.

“Much of the company’s current turnout gear has been handed down from other departments over the years, making this new equipment a welcomed and much-needed upgrade for the firefighters receiving it,” the fire company said. “Modern gear not only improves firefighter safety and operational effectiveness, but also plays an important role in attracting and retaining new volunteers interested in joining the fire service.”

The company said the grant will also allow funds that otherwise would have been spent on turnout gear to be directed toward future equipment purchases. “The Rensselaerville Fire Company extends its sincere gratitude to the Gary Sinise Foundation for its continued support of first responders and rural volunteer fire departments across the county.”

(1RN News Desk Helped Contributed to This Story)