A tool box no longer needed by the PHFPD was auctioned off among the members of the fire district’s staff with the proceeds going to the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA). $225 was the highest bid placed making FF Jason Hardy the winner. Hardy presented his check to Phil Zaleski, IFSA’s executive director. Zaleski thanked Hardy and the PHFPD for the donation.

“The IFSA is a group that promotes fire safety throughout the state. Its flagship activity is its weeklong summer camp for burned children. Many of these kids have significant physical and emotional scars. Burn camp is their opportunity to meet others with similar challenges in a supportive environment and create real friendships that last a life time.” More info on the IFSA is available at https://www.ifsa.org/

When the fire district determines equipment or supplies are no longer needed it declares them surplus and typically auctions them off. In this case, the tool box had been used on a vehicle and was no longer required. The 10-year old tool box was faded and worn but has some life left in it. Several firefighters expressed an interest and Chief Smith determined that he could use this as an opportunity to help the IFSA. According to Chief Smith, “Usually the items surplused are either junk or of significant value. This was not the case.” Smith said he will look for similar opportunities in the future.