LOUISVILLE, IL--(Marketwired - Jun 5, 2013) - Avon Protection, a market leader in respiratory protection systems, today named the North Clay Fire Protection District in Louisville, Illinois, the winner of its firehouse remodel sweepstakes. Avon Protection's Don Reycroft, director of sales, and Jim Bemister, Midwest regional sales manager, will award the prize today to Todd Fender, North Clay's Fire Chief.
Earlier this year at the FDIC Conference, the world's largest firefighting training conference, Avon Protection invited eligible fire department personnel to enter a drawing to win $10,000 towards a firehouse remodel or refurbishing project.
"We were shocked," said Chief Fender. "Initially I thought we'd won something small, like a hat, but when they said it was a $10,000 prize, I said 'you've got to be kidding me.'"
Founded in 1975, the North Clay Fire Protection District is a volunteer department with 55 firefighters. The house opened in 1982 and hasn't had any major renovations since it was built. While minor updates, such as painting the walls and installing new carpet, have been made, the prize funds will allow for some much-needed upgrades, including a new HVAC system.
Other plans for the renovation include remodeling the kitchen and installing cabinetry to allow for additional, more organized storage space. Also, on the wish list is a new flat screen TV.
"The TV we have in the station now is a hand-me-down," said Chief Fender. "The longer the TV is on, the more red the picture becomes. We're grateful to Avon Protection for hosting this contest. Our winnings provide an opportunity for us to update and replace things that are worn out."
To help save on labor costs, the firefighters will complete the work to the house themselves.
"This giveaway was a small token of Avon Protection's appreciation for the hard work and dedication by firefighters," said Reycroft. "We are happy to know this prize money will enable the North Clay Fire Protection District to make some much needed upgrades. These volunteer firefighters generously give their time to protect their fellow citizens and they deserve a reward for their efforts."
About Avon Protection
The market leader in respiratory protection system technology, Avon Protection works closely with firefighters and other fire protection professionals to understand and meet their changing personal protection equipment needs. Avon Protection offers a wide selection of high-performance, timesaving respiratory protection equipment, as well as thermal image cameras that employ the most advanced features in the industry. The company is the primary supplier of CBRN personal respiratory equipment to the United States Department of Defense, providing respiratory equipment to the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Special Operations Forces. Additionally, Avon Protection is the market leader among LE and SWAT users in the US. For more information about the company's firefighting products visit: www.avon-protection.com.