Ad Space Sales Could Save 36 Ohio Fire Fighter Jobs

April 23, 2008 – With the current nationwide economic crisis, many cities are forced to make major budget reductions – including Youngstown, Ohio where Local 312 fire fighters are facing a $750,000 budget cut and the loss of as many as 36 fire fighter jobs. But Local 312 members Ben Szmara and Kevin Windham may have found a creative way to save those jobs.

Szmara and Windham are selling ad space on their turnout gear via eBay. Cost of the space is a minimum of $200,000. Since the ads will remain in place for the life of the gear – at least two years -- buyers are getting a bargain.

“Youngstown fire fighters respond to an average of 4,000 calls per year, so there is a lot of opportunity for the advertiser to gain exposure,” says Windham. “Advertisers can also claim responsibility for keeping Youngstown citizens and their property safe.”

The two Local 312 members are able to make this offer because all Youngstown members are responsible for buying their own turnout gear. In addition, Shamrock Gear & Repair in Northeast Ohio has agreed to embroider the ads onto the gear at no cost. Windham and Szmara say the ad space is open to anyone, but will not accept anything that might be offensive to anyone.

If the fire fighters are unable to raise the needed money and 36 fire fighters are laid off, two of the city’s eight fire stations are likely to be shut down, increasing response times and call volume per engine company.

“We take our mission to serve and protect the citizens of Youngstown very seriously,” states Windham. “All we are trying to do here is make sure that they continue to get the high level of service they deserve and expect, while keeping our brothers and sisters on the job.”

Click here for the auction link or email Kevin Windham at safeyfd@aol.com for more information.