Firefighter Gear Donated To Lakeland Fire Department

LAKELAND, FL — The Lakeland Fire Department received new helmet and vest sets that offer protection to firefighters and medics when they respond to dangerous situations, a news release said.

The gear firefighters say is worth $15,373, and was donated by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

A new rescue task force from the Lakeland Fire Department will use the helmets and vests to treat patients in active shooter and hostile environment response conditions, the fire department stated.

The fire department applied for the grant in 2019, and received the grant award in early 2020.

Officials say this grant was one of 67 Firehouse Subs Public Foundation awarded to public safety organizations across the country during the most recent grant application period.

The grant has also helped with the creation of the department's rescue task force.

Training for the task force is expected to begin in fall, said authorities. It will focus on proper gear and medical equipment use and medical techniques to use in highly dangerous events.