Earlier this month, Gary firefighters rallied at city hall seeking pay raises and better equipment. Now some firefighters are taking the matter into their own hands by raising money selling T-shirts and hoodies online.

Gary Firefighters Association Local 359 is hoping to raise money on teespring.com to replace what it says is outdated equipment and to repair its union hall.

According to the online page where the shirts are being sold, the department has fire stations with asbestos, mold and no heat or air conditioning. [… and that] the firefighters are “living in the stone age” and can’t keep up with new technology. “We are so far behind,” it says.

Gary Firefighters Kenji Patton and Shawn Hendron said they got the idea for the fundraising campaign from something similar the Detroit Fire Department did to raise money.

… firefighters are offering a Gary firefighter T-shirt for $18 and a hoodie sweatshirt for $43. Patton said funds from the sale will be transferred to the union.

On Sept. 16, the fire department joined the Gary Police Department at City Hall in the rally for better conditions and pay.

Michael Collins, Gary firefighter and Local 359 vice president, said at the rally that the department hasn’t had a contract in seven years and a raise in nine years. He also said station conditions “are deplorable” and firefighters are operating with “less and less equipment.”

thanks Dan