West Orange Fire Department awarded grant from Leary Firefighters Foundation

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Leary Firefighters Foundation has awarded a grant to the West Orange Fire Department to fund a free-standing roof training prop.

The award is for the purchase of a roof prop and accessories valued at $24,979. With the addition of this equipment, WOFD will be able to conduct realistic training scenarios and simulations of cutting roof ventilation holes in a safe and controlled environment. The prop has the ability to simulate different roof pitches as well.

“Our training is limited when it comes to specific technical operations due to the lack of acquired structures. This new prop will allow us to practice real-life ventilation operations without the need for donated properties,” WOFD Training Officer Capt. Sean Gaynor said.

Fire Chief Anthony Vecchio said, “What the Leary Firefighters Foundation has done for the betterment of the fire service is unmatchable and we are grateful to the foundation for selecting the West Orange Fire Department as an award recipient this year.”

Leary Firefighters Foundation was established in 2000 by actor Denis Leary in response to a tragic fire in Worcester, Mass., that claimed the lives of Leary’s cousin, a childhood friend and four other firefighters. LFF’s mission is to provide funding and resources for fire departments to obtain the best available equipment, technology and training. The foundation is dedicated to helping maintain the highest level of public safety in our communities.

In an effort to balance the challenges of rising costs associated with training and equipment, WOFD regularly looks for grant opportunities to help fund necessary programs and equipment. National grant programs start with lengthy application processes and are traditionally highly competitive.

  West Orange Fire Department