Local fire departments share a special bond of helping each other, and that was exactly the case when the Leighton Fire Department decided to donate four self-contained breathing apparatuses to the fire department in Phil Campbell.

The Leighton fire chief drove to Phil Campbell April 7 to deliver the four SCBAs to the fire department.

“We cannot thank the people of Leighton enough for their generosity,” said Phil Campbell Fire Chief Mike Rice. “This is a great example of how all fire departments work together to help each other all over the area.”

Phil Campbell Mayor Mike McQuary echoed Rice’s appreciation for the Leighton Fire Department and their willingness to help.

“It’s just a fine example of paying it forward to brothers and sisters in fire service,” McQuary said.

Rice said the donation came about after a salesperson demonstrating different equipment mentioned some SCBAs Leighton’s fire department had that they were taking out of service.

Rice said the salesperson put him in contact with the fire department in Leighton, and the Leighton department was happy to donate to Phil Campbell.

“We were really happy about it,” Rice said. “These packs are going to expand our capabilities and allow us to operate safer. It is a big win for us.”