GADSDEN– The City of Gadsden has received an $11,718 grant to buy 30 helmets for the Gadsden Fire Department. Norfolk Southern awarded the funding through its Safety First Grant Program.

The city plans to purchase Bullard PX structural firefighting helmets with built-in four-inch face shields. The helmets are part of a broader effort to replace the department’s existing helmets, Fire Chief Vance Brown said.

Brown said the new helmets are lighter. They also offer better eye and face protection, greater heat and impact resistance, and easier decontamination after calls.

“This is the first phase of an effort to replace all of our existing helmets,” Brown said in the city’s Thursday, Sept. 24, announcement.

Meanwhile, Mayor Craig Ford thanked Norfolk Southern for the grant. He said firefighters face extreme conditions and need to replace protective equipment regularly.

“The Gadsden Fire Department does a tremendous job protecting our residents,” Ford said.

Norfolk Southern says its Safety First program supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. The railroad launched its community grant programs in 2023.

AREA NEWS