Rangers Hose Co. raising funds to match grant for air packs
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Wear-and-tear is evident on an air pack at the Rangers Hose Co., seen Thursday.
GIRARDVILLE – One of the most crucial pieces of firefighting equipment is the self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, and the Rangers Hose Co. here was one of three departments awarded a federal grant to replaces theirs, but there’s a catch. The grant requires a match, which the company is trying to raise money to meet.
Lt. Michael Zangari said their SCBAs, or air packs, are nearing the end of their useful life and are well-worn. The lieutenant showed heat damage on the straps of one pack Thursday evening.
“For us to get this grant is tremendous, but at the same time, we still have to put funds out,” Zangari said.
He said the company has around 35 active firefighters, and the numbers add up quickly.
“This type of stuff does cost money, but when we’re talking life and death for our firefighters and the public, how do you put a number value on it,” Zangari said.
They are also one of three departments sharing the $834,300 federal grant, along with the McAdoo Fire Co. and the Hazleton City Fire Department.
To help offset their matching portion, the company launched a “Spooky Raffle” which will award a prize for each day in October and includes over $12,000 in prizes.
“We appreciate your help,” Zangari said. “Most of the time, we’re the folks showing up when you’re having the worst day of your life and you need help so that we can continue to do that.”
More information on the Rangers’ fundraisers can be found here.
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