OSU’s Fire Service Training receives gear donation from Honeywell

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Honeywell First Responder Products donated four sets of structural firefighter gear to OSU’s Fire Service Training (FST). FST is part of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology’s (CEAT) Outreach and Extension programs. 

The gear, often called turnout or bunker gear, consists of a helmet, protective hood, coat, pants, gloves and boots. The gear is designed to protect firefighters in high-heat atmospheres. These can include situations where firefighters are extinguishing interior fires within a structure or exterior fires with intense heat and flames. 

FST instructors will use the gear to teach firefighter training.

“It is very difficult to replace or purchase this gear due to the cost and our limited budget for equipment,” says Bryan West, FST facilities manager. “We rely heavily on donations and grants to purchase this equipment for our instructors and staff.”

FST has a long-standing partnership with Honeywell. It has purchased Honeywell gear in the past from an Oklahoma vendor.  

“Honeywell knows the needs of the first responder community and supporting them is an essential part of our continued commitment to their safety,” says Richard Roberts, industry affairs manager for Honeywell. “Honeywell is proud to donate personal protective equipment to support the OSU FST program.” 

Honeywell’s donation will be beneficial to FST’s training program. 

“Richard Roberts of Honeywell has been very instrumental at being aware of our needs at OSU,” says Deborah Moorad-Watts, director of corporate and foundation relations at OSU. “I know the donation means a lot to the FST program, and I was happy to see the smiles of all of the staff and faculty at the donation site.”