In Southern Utah, GAF Cedar City and Stout Roofing donated and installed new, much-needed roofing systems to support the Cedar City Fireman's Relief Association (CCFRA), which provides safe, reliable facilities for firefighters and emergency volunteers as well as key community services.
When Roofers and Firefighters Unite
When Joe Soto moved to Cedar City in 2011, the fire department was recruiting. "I thought, what a great way to get involved in the community and meet people," says Soto. He started firefighting part-time while working full-time at GAF Cedar City. "I look back and can't believe it's been 14 years."
With magnificent red rock canyons and mountainous volcanic fields to the east, sprawling high desert scrubland to the west, and Interstate 15 cutting through the middle, Cedar City firefighters are called to duty in a range of environments. "We see vehicle accidents, structure fires within the city, wildland fires—a lot of wildfires, actually—and, once in a while, even some rope rescues when people get hurt in the canyons," explains Soto.
The community relies on these firefighters, and to best serve the community, the firefighters rely on the CCFRA. Unbeknownst to Soto, his role at GAF and his place in the CCFRA would be the linchpin connecting the association's aging roofs with new roof donations from GAF and local GAF-certified contractor Stout Roofing.
The History of the Cedar City Fireman's Relief Association
Originally founded in 1917 to support firefighters injured on calls, the CCFRA continues to shine a light on the community. The association still provides financial support for part-time or volunteer firefighters—who don't have the same insurance benefits as full-time firefighters—if they're injured on calls. This is key for volunteer and part-time firefighters because, as Soto explains, "if we get hurt, we could miss our other jobs."
While supporting their own remains mission-critical, over a century later, the association has greatly expanded its community outreach services, including a Christmas charity. "Every year we find families that could use help, and we provide gifts for them," says Soto. The CCFRA also offers public education about fire awareness and safety. One program involves local schools, bringing "classes to the fire department where students learn basic fire safety and what to do if there's a fire at their home." The association also donates to the University of Utah burn center each year and helps fund clean clothes and food for fire victims who've lost everything.
At its heart, the CCFRA is about "firefighters coming together in another capacity to help the community and help each other," says Soto.
Reliable Roofs Help Firefighters Save Lives
When an opportunity to support these firefighters arose, GAF and Stout Roofing answered the call, eager to show appreciation for the firefighters' important role in the Cedar City community. "When we learned about the Cedar City Fireman's Relief Association's need for roof repairs, we knew we had to step up," says Clint Sullivan, Vice President at Stout Roofing. "We were excited to partner with GAF to do our part to help local first responders keep our community safe."
The Value of a Roof Donation
The CCFRA had needed new roofs on their two facility buildings for some time. But, as with many non-profit organizations, their budget was finite. "Whether you're a food bank or a shelter, if you don't have to worry about your roof, that's more time and money you can spend helping the community in need," explains Soto.
For the association, keeping their firefighters and equipment safe is a top priority. One of the two buildings that needed reroofing houses millions of dollars of firefighting equipment—including trucks, gear, and supplies—that needs protection. "If the firefighting equipment is not in good condition, it becomes a financial burden on the community," adds Soto.
Reroofing would also help ensure safe living quarters for on-duty firefighters. "A firefighter works a 48-hour shift," explains Soto. "During that 48-hour shift, firefighters sleep at the fire department to be ready at a moment's notice in case of emergency. Then, they have 96 hours off," he says. Shifts rotate, but there are always on-duty firefighters living at the firehouse.
Because the cost would be significant, the association was fortunate that Stout Roofing donated their labor to install the two new roofing systems.
Leaning on Community Support
When the association's president asked Soto about the possibility of GAF donations, he simply submitted a grant application available to employees. Soon, the wheels were set in motion.
GAF supported Stout Roofing through its Community Contractor Program, which donates approved roofing materials to contractors certified with GAF who donate their labor to a roof repair or install. "The brave men and women of the Cedar City Fire Department protect this community every day, and we are honored to be able to support them with this new roof," says Eric Lewis, General Manager at GAF Cedar City.
As Soto experienced, the GAF Community Matters initiative invests in the well-being of our people and neighbors. "One thing I've learned is that the culture of GAF really is to help as much as they can." Through emails, newsletters, and company updates, "I see the tidbits and mentions of what every GAF plant does to help their hometown."
That drive to serve all comes from the top, he explains. "Our corporate culture encourages this service."
Learn more about GAF Manufacturing communities like Cedar City, and empower your town's involvement with GAF Community Matters.
