An Easton firefighter is gearing up for a trip to Fort Myers, Florida to deliver much-needed aid to Hurricane Ian survivors and to assist in relief efforts.
“We are collecting items to help first responders and firefighters and for the kids who lost everything,” said Dave Davies, a 25-year veteran firefighter.
After seeing the devastation from Hurricane Ian, Davies knew he had to step in and help. He’s collecting supplies to assist the Fort Meyers Beach Fire Department in cleanup efforts and encourages the community to drop off donations at the fire station on 1 Center Road if they would like to help.
Davies parents and extended family survived the hurricane by evacuating, but his mother and father’s home suffered damage and flooding despite it being 10 feet off the ground, he said.
Items needed included soap, shampoo, toothpaste, paper towels, toilet paper, rags, spray cleaners, bleach, contractor bags, shovels, hammers, pry bars, and tarps. The Fort Myers Beach Fire Department will distribute the items after Davies and other Easton and Fairfield firefighters deliver them down south.
Davis said his phone hasn’t stopped ringing with offers from area firefighters to help in the cleanup effort by donating equipment and their manpower.
“We had an outpouring of help post Hurricane Sandy, so everybody that helped and got help just wants to help again,” Davis said. “We know what it is like to go through that. We just want to pass it forward.”
Photo at top by Rick Falco
