April 19, 2023 -- Turtle Plastics, Sunbelt Fire and Darley came together to help in the aftermath of a series of devastating tornadoes that swept through western and central Mississippi on the evening of March 24, 2023. An EF4 tornado, traveling almost 60 miles and lasting more than an hour, tore through the town of Rolling Fork, a community of less than 2,000 people, leaving complete devastation in its wake.
The three companies raised the money to deliver 23 pallets of Darley Safe Water Boxes (5,000 gallons total) to the United Way in Vicksburg, MS. After the tornado, United Way of West Central Mississippi opened their doors to act as a logistics and disbursement center for affected communities as most, if not all, of the town’s infrastructure was gone. Members of the community transport the goods in their personal vehicles to Rolling Fork several times a week. “Many corporations such as yours, have been a godsend with providing the many needs for the affected area,” said Patty Montague of United Way, Vicksburg.
“Helping those in need is a core value in our company. Natural disasters like this tornado can be extremely destructive and it is our duty to help those in need,” said Paul Darley, CEO, president and chairman of Darley. “We are grateful to have trusted partners like Turtle Plastics, Sunbelt Fire and United Way to help get safe water to those in need across Mississippi.”
The theme of caring for others was echoed by Liz Paintiff, president of Turtle Plastics, who said, “It is our pleasure to answer the need when our friends at Darley reach out for assistance. Part of our mission statement at Turtle Plastics is ‘creating a spirit of peace, love and caring for the environment, our employees and our community.’”
Sunbelt Fire is a family-owned and operated company based in Fairhope, AL. Slade McLendon, CEO and president commented, “We are grateful to have served the first responders of Mississippi for 40 years, and we are grateful to be able to assist them and their communities now. Our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with everyone this devastation has impacted.”
Rebuilding efforts in Rolling Fork and the other towns hit will take an extended length of time. If you would like to make a donation to help in the tornado recovery, please visit the United Way of West Central Mississippi website and in the notes specify “Rolling Fork.”
About Darley
Founded in 1908, Darley provides the highest quality technology and equipment solutions to military and first responders. With origins in Midwest manufacturing, Darley offers our nation’s heroes a complete line of unmanned systems, technology, equipment and pumps. More information is available at darley.com. You serve others. We serve you.
About Turtle Plastics
Turtle Plastics, a global leader in manufacturing, is deeply committed to environmental health and safety solutions that protect workers and ensure a sustainable environment. The company’s Dura Crib™ and Dura Stat™ cribbing and blocking products are made from 100% recycled plastic and are safer, cleaner, stronger alternatives to wood for shoring cribbing, vehicle extrication, material handling and heavy vehicle maintenance and repair. The company’s Turtle Tiles™ are versatile, ergonomic modular tiles used as compartment matting in fire trucks, and as flooring in commercial and industrial applications. The company’s Turtle Tube™ grain rescue tube is a life-saving, rapidly deploying sleeve for use in grain entrapment at food processing plants, breweries, elevators, and grain transport vehicles.
Turtle Plastics is headquartered in Lorain, Ohio. All products are proudly made in the U.S.A.
About Sunbelt Fire
Sunbelt Fire, a family-owned and operated company based in Fairhope, AL, was founded in 1983 by Thomas (Tom) McLendon, Jr., his wife, Jane, and son, Thomas III. From humble beginnings in his home, the company has grown to support the demands of the firefighting industry in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and the Florida Panhandle. Now including over 50 team members across five states and a second service center in Houma, LA, Sunbelt Fire employees work to deliver superior value to their customers while fulfilling their mission, “serving those who save and protect lives.” Sunbelt can be found at www.sunbeltfire.com.
