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The Excel Fire Department in Excel, Alabama (pop. 664) is an all-volunteer brigade of 30 men and women. The fire department responds to structural, grassland and wood fires as well as automobile wrecks, oil spills and hazardous materials situations. They also assist other fire departments in the region, and run an engaging fire prevention program at the local school.

When the firefighters responded to a call, they put their lives at increased risk because their turnout gear – protective clothing, helmets and boots – was more than a decade old and in dire need of replacement. At $1,500 a set, the fire department didn’t have the funds to purchase new gear.

That remained the case until the Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade came to the rescue – and awarded the Excel Volunteer Fire Department a $10,000 grant!

“We know first-hand the significant role these fire units play in the life of a community. The Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade is one way we say ‘thank you’ for their work,” said Jim Hannan, CEO and President of Georgia-Pacific. “Many of our own employees are members of their local fire and rescue units, so we also know the need for the financial support necessary to safely continue the work these departments do.”

The Excel Fire Department used its grant to purchase seven new sets of turnout gear. The difference in the old and new sets is easy to see. Less visible but just as important, the firefighters of Excel now have one less thing to worry about as they carry out their vital service to the community.