Willis Knighton Health will present Shreveport Fire Department a $54,000 grant Tuesday to purchase equipment to properly outfit six new SFD vehicles that will be used for emergency responses by the Bomb Squad and fire investigations unit. The check presentation from Willis Knighton President and CEO Jaf Fielder to Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday at Shreveport Fire Station No. 8, 2756 Greenwood Road. The presentation was originally scheduled last week but had to be rescheduled for tomorrow.
“As a community healthcare organization, we at Willis Knighton recognize, perhaps more than others, the type of health risks that our Shreveport firefighters face. We understand that when we invest in the Shreveport Fire Department, we are investing in the safety and well-being of our community and our fellow residents,” Fielder said. “While we know they have the training to address dangerous emergency situations, we also want to be sure they have the right support equipment too.”
The fire department has purchased six Dodge crew cab trucks to replace the aging fleet of Bomb Squad/fire investigation response vehicles. Specific accessories are needed for the vehicles before they can be put into service. The equipment will be used to safely transport gear and tools necessary for render-safe procedures for hazardous devices located within the response area, as well as storing and transporting proper personal protective equipment.
Willis Knighton’s grant to Shreveport Fire Department is the latest example of its “tithe the bottom line” philosophy of giving. Willis Knighton philanthropy focuses on healthcare, public education and humanitarian services to improve not only the health of the people who live here but their quality of life.