Thanks to the volunteer work of a retired firefighter, the Marion Fire Department was awarded a grant for nearly $144,000 in new safety gear for all firefighters.
Recently retired Maintenance Private, Dale Owen, had applied for the grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Department received 58 sets of turnout gear which includes jackets, pants, and boots. The last set of gear was approximately 9 years old, and was rapidly approaching its expiration, according to one firefighter. After they were awarded the grant, MFD worked with Nowak Supply Co. out of Ft. Wayne to order the jacket and pants manufactured by Honeywell, and the boots produced by Haiks.
Chief Geoff Williams said he is grateful for Owen’s hard work to get the grant. “I’m very thankful he took the time to do it. He has won easily over a million dollars for us in grants.”
All of the gear is being distributed to the firefighters this week.
Media Contact: Geoff Williams, Chief, Marion Fire Department (765) 668‑4474 gwilliams@marionindiana.us
