SANTA BARBARA - Local ExxonMobil officials recently presented the Santa Barbara Firefighter’s Alliance with $5,000 to purchase needed weather meters, GPS units, and Bendix King Radios for use by local fire departments.
The Alliance is a 100% volunteer organization that works hand in hand with Santa Barbara County and City firefighters to identify and fund critical equipment and program support. Using a strict appropriation process, they work with “line”
firefighters to identify equipment that furthers their mission to protect the people of Santa Barbara with great safety and effectiveness.
“We are grateful to the Alliance and to ExxonMobil for their incredible support. Because of their generosity, our firefighters are able to get cutting-edge technical equipment that isn’t provided for in our regular budgets, especially in these tough economic times,” stated Santa Barbara City Battalion Chief Pat McElroy.
ExxonMobil, which has been operating in Santa Barbara County for nearly 30 years, is a long-time supporter of public safety.
“These dedicated firefighters put their lives on the line every day for our community. In partnership with the Alliance, we can make sure they have the latest technology and equipment to help protect them and save lives,” said Frank Betts, Operations Superintendent for ExxonMobil’s local Santa Ynez Unit.
Since forming five years ago, the Alliance has purchased $700,000 in rescue and firefighting equipment for local firefighters, from handheld global positioning systems and weather monitors, to thermal imaging cameras and fire-resistant
curtains for fire engines.
“Our county and city leaders provide us with the basic equipment we need, but they can only go so far,” said County Fire Capt. David Sadecki, a founding member and county liaison to the non-profit Alliance. “This equipment is much needed
but un-budgeted equipment.”