Fire cadets in Punjab are set to benefit from a link-up between West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) and the Asian Fire Service Association (AFSA).
Dozens of used and out-dated WMFS uniforms have been donated to the young would-be firefighters.
Baiju Panchmatia, Senior Purchasing Officer with WMFS, who is also the West Midlands regional chair of AFSA, said: “Some of our members travelled to Punjab in 2013 to explore ways of working together with the fire service there.
“Having awarded a new contract for our uniform here at WMFS, we were keen to put our outdated stock to good use.
“The clothing will be rebranded and hopefully give the cadets an even greater sense of pride and belonging to their worthwhile organisation.”
Councillor John Edwards, Chair of West Midlands Fire and rescue Authority, said: “We’re really pleased to support this initiative which will help a developing emergency service in the Punjab region of Pakistan. It’s good to know that kit once worn by our great women and men will now see further service with young people in a faraway fire and rescue service.
“AFSA have been the catalyst in making this connection and making it happen and we offer our thanks to their great organisation as well.”
Members of the West Midlands’ Pakistani community came together to provide storage and shipping costs for the uniform.
For more information, go to www.wmfs.net
