Cleveland Fire Brigade has donated old uniforms to a charity which will benefit firefighters in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

The uniforms were handed over by Chief Fire Officer Ian Hayton and Redcar Station Crew Manager Michael Dayson to Operation Florian, which is a UK Fire Service humanitarian charity. The uniforms are going to be taken to Bulawayo in Zimbabwe where they will be used by the Bulawayo Fire Brigade, other brigades in the South of Zimbabwe and possibly throughout the world.

Ian Hayton, Chief Fire Officer said: "It was a member of staff Michael Dayson who came up with the idea to donate our old uniforms and he researched where our donation would be best suited. We are delighted to be able to make a difference to our fellow firefighters in Africa through Operation Florian who run a fantastic range of projects to help fire services worldwide."

Robbie Payne, Chair of Cleveland Fire Authority, said: "This is a great project that we are very proud to be involved in. It will ensure our old uniforms go to a good home, helping other fire services to carry out their duties.

"The venture will also make a great difference in helping to protect the environment. Rather than these resources going to waste they are being recycled to a great cause."

Anthony Burscough, Project Manager for Operation Florian, said: "We were delighted when Michael got in touch to say Cleveland Fire Brigade could donate some old uniforms to the project and we know the firefighters of Bulawayo will be over the moon with this gift."

Anthony, a retired member of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, went on to say that the uniforms will be sent to Zimbabwe at the end of the year and will help the Bulawayo Fire Brigade to create a positive outlook within the city.

 

www.clevelandfire.gov.uk

 

Photo: Shephard Ndlovu, Senior Lecturer at University of Central Lancashire; Ian Hayton, Chief Fire Officer; Mick Doherty, Chairman of Operation Florian; Anthony Burscough, Project Manager for Operation Florian; Redcar Station Crew Manager Michael Dayson

 

Posted August 31st, 2012 at 1155 by Andrew. Comment by emailing andrew.lynch@pavpub.com