IDEX Fire & Safety employees joined with their marketing partner Fire Department Coffee to help support those providing relief to the people of western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene.
As part of its efforts to give back, Fire Department Coffee has a Rosenbauer America disaster response truck that includes, among other things, a clothes washer and dryer, and a shower with water heater, to help relief workers get cleaned up so they can continue their valuable work. That includes first responders, many of whom have been working tirelessly since torrential rains from the hurricane caused destructive flash flooding.
Joining the Fire Department Coffee team at various points were IDEX teammates Director of IDEX Fire & Safety North American Marketing & Communications Brent Warwick, Marketing Manager Britt Hawkins, and Marketing Project Manager Lauren Ploof, along with members of their families.
“Serving first responders in the North Carolina mountains in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is in line with our purpose and mission at IDEX Fire & Safety. And getting to do that alongside our strategic partner, Fire Department Coffee, and two of my kids made it matter even more,” Brent said.
Britt added, “These people faced extreme devastation, yet their tenacious spirit showed through. A kind word, a smile, and a little distraction with a hot cup of coffee was a breath of fresh air for these folks. I am so humbled to have been a small part of it and hope that I may have a picked up a little bit of their spirit to take home with me.”
IDEX Fire & Safety’s partnership with Fire Department Coffee includes our products being featured in their funny social media videos about life as a firefighter. Aside from selling coffee, they also give back to sick and injured firefighters.
“The whole purpose of this project is to protect people’s dignity, the communities affected, and the first responders,” said Randy James, Director of Brand Relations for Fire Department Coffee. “The truck is a dynamic piece of equipment that we utilize when people lose their basic needs. We want to provide a place for them to take a shower, have food, dry clothes, blankets, and so much more. We want to give them a cup of coffee, have a conversation with them, listen to them, and thank them for all they do.”
Hurricane Helene hit on Tuesday, September 24, and its path of destruction not only harmed buildings and roadways, but families, friends, and loved ones across many states. Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia felt the effects of Hurricane Helene as did the rest of the country as many were left to worry or called to help fight the aftermath.