Rotary Grant 2015
Posted by Dave Dodgen
on Dec 09, 2015
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Dave Dodgen (center right), chair of the Humboldt Rotary Club’s annual Fly-in Breakfast, is shown presenting a check for $10,000 to Kim Jensen (center left), Lieutenant with the Humboldt Fire Department. The money was used to help purchase new bunker gear for the fire department. The Humboldt Rotary Club contributed $6,735 and a Rotary District Foundation grant another $3,265. Rotarians pictured from left to right include: Corey Matson, Brett Legvold, Jana Bratland, Ross Sleiter, Jared Johnson, Kim Jensen, Bret Davis, Dave Dodgen, Victor Meyer, Mary Grebe, Rotary President Clifton Kalafatich, Pam Ray, Tim Anderson and Dean Telford. Humboldt Independent photo.
Proceeds from the Humboldt Rotary Club’s annual Fly-In Breakfast were used to help the Humboldt Fire Department purchase new bunker gear. A total of $10,000 was donated by the Humboldt Rotary Club with $6,735 of the proceeds from the Fly-In Breakfast and $3,265 in matching funds from a Rotary Foundation District grant. Kim Jensen, Lieutenant and 17-year veteran of the Humboldt Fire Department, said that with the donation from the Humboldt Rotary Club coupled with budgeted funds from the city, the department was able to purchase 10 sets of bunker gear. Each set of bunker gear costs about $2,300 and includes a helmet, jacket, pants and boots. Bunker gear is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) designed to protect firefighters.
Jensen said the timing of the Rotary donation was very good as bunker gear is required to be taken out of service after being used for 10 years. The Humboldt Fire Department’s current bunker gear was put into service on Jan. 20, 2006. As of Jan. 20, it is considered obsolete. While 10 sets of bunker gear was purchased, that still leaves another 11 sets to be purchased. Jensen said the city has budgeted some funds and the fire department is applying for a Humboldt County Community Foundation grant.
Jensen showed how the new bunker gear is much lighter and previously only came in three sizes. Firefighters were measured for a more exact fit for the latest bunker gear. The pants feature pleated and padded knees which is a huge benefit when crawling around a structure fire. The coats are also pleated at the elbow and move better with the firefighter’s body. This is an improvement as the fire fighter won’t wear out fighting their own equipment. There’s also a safety strap on the collar of the jacket that can be used to drag a firefighter whose been hurt out of a fire. The new helmets feature more adjustments to make them fit better. In addition the boots were sized to fit and are more comfortable and cushioned. Overall, it will make it much easier to move around. The jackets have a pocket for a radio, insulated pockets for firefighters’ hands to stay warmer and many improvements to make it easier for firefighters to fight fires and to be better protected.
Fly-In Chair Dave Dodgen said the donation was made possible by the great community support shown to the Fly-In Breakfast. In its 15 year history, the Fly-In Breakfast has contributed over $70,000 to community projects and causes. Several members of the Humboldt Fire Department have helped the Humboldt Rotary cook and serve the breakfast. We feel very fortunate that we are able to do something to help the firefighters who volunteer their time to protect each of us. The Fly-In Breakfast is held each year in August at the Humboldt Airport.