Firefighters constantly look out for the safety of others and willingly respond to the call of a fire at the drop of a dime.

This time, it was members of the Lehighton Fire Department who were recently the recipient of a little bit of help for a change.

At its 2017 Strategic Planning Meeting, the fire department listed boots, hoods and gloves, totaling $13,000 as desired items, however did not have a budget laid out for them.

Fully aware of those needs, the Carbon County Community Foundation, along with borough residents Arlington and Patricia Everett, stepped in to ensure firefighters would have those items.

The fire department received a $1,000 grant from the Carbon County Community Foundation, while Arlington and Patricia Everett decided to donate the remaining funds to complete the purchase.

Fire Chief Pat Mriss said the firefighters’ boots were more than 10 years old. He said the hoods are for structural firefighting, while the gloves are for extricating purposes.

“The boots, ours were like 10-plus years old, we were getting some complaints from people when they were on their feet longer, pain, discomfort,” Mriss said. “The hoods, new technology introduced that reduces the amount of particulates that come through the hoods onto your neck, jaw bones, cheek bones, where some of the higher cancers are being found in firefighters, supposed to help reduce the particulates getting onto the skin and reducing chance of cancer for firefighters. The gloves have cut resistance on them for aiding the safety of the first responders.”

Upon learning of the fire department’s need, Arlington and Patricia Everett decided to donate the remaining funds to complete the purchase.

“We have lived in Lehighton our entire lives, and know that they are a volunteer fire department and felt that this was something we could do to help them, and we encourage others, that are able, to do the same,” the Everetts said.

“It’s a dangerous job, being a fireman, and they serve Lehighton all as volunteers. They take time responding to calls, training and serving the Borough of Lehighton, which takes them away from their families. We are proud to have such dedicated men and women protecting us, and feel that a monetary contribution is the least we can do to say thank you.”

Borough Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky, the granddaughter of Arlington and Patricia Everett, said a lot of times it’s the smaller things that can make all the difference.

“Many people hear or read about the need for new large equipment, from fire engines, tankers to rescue boats, but people sometimes forget about all the small items that assist firefighters with their jobs, as well as keeping them safe while saving lives, property and our community,” Abelovsky said.

Mriss said the department is grateful for any and all help it receives.

“Here we have a local foundation and local residents who see the need and also bring us a step up and help keep the firefighters and first responders safer,” he said. “We appreciate anything; the people are looking out for us and our safety.”