Bereavement Uniform Program

 

‘Taking Care of Those Who Protected Us’™

COVID 19 changed the trajectory of BUP need!! 

Unfortunately, the Bereavement Uniform Program (BUP) is more important now then it was when launched over seven years ago. 

“… what the BUP did for the family made their loss a lasting time of pride for what their husband, father and son did for his community. Thank you to all at Lighthouse Uniform Company from the bottom of my heart for your attention to this matter, not only with our department in our time of need, but also with others that have and unfortunately will need this service”. Dale Hille, LT. Grant County Fire District #3. (A small Washington department). 

The Bereavement Uniform Program (BUP) is a cooperative effort between the Lighthouse Uniform Company, Fire Associations, Fire Departments and individual firefighters with the sole aim of ensuring every firefighter, paid or volunteer, active or retired, is afforded the opportunity to answer their ‘last call’ in a Class A Dress Uniform. 

The BUP is simple and straightforward. Departments and individuals with surplus or no longer used dress uniforms send them in to the Lighthouse where they are cleaned, refurbished and reconfigured as necessary and shipped to requesting departments, at no charge to the requesting family. 

To date, almost 200 departments and individuals have donated. Some more than once. Every donation is noted on the BUP ‘Be Remembered’ Wall of Fame. Check it out, you may very well see someone you know. 

The BUP has answered the call over 180 times and we invite and encourage every department and family wanting to thank and honor their ‘passing’ firefighter with a Class A Funeral to take advantage of the program. 

The following links will take you to a few authorities and their link to the BUP. 

1. The NVFC https://www.nvfc.org/lighthouse-uniform-bereavement-uniform-program/ 

2. Washington Fire Chiefs Assoc. https://www.washingtonfirechiefs.com/Sections/FireMechanics/TabId/2344/ArtMID/7881/ArticleID/22036/Bereavement-Uniform-Program.aspx 

3. The IAFC https://www.iafc.org/topics-and-tools/resources/resource/bereavement-uniform-program 

We would also ask those fortunate enough to have surplus or no longer used Class A’s to ‘check the closet’ and send them in. The Bereavement Uniform Program’s long-term viability depends on it. 

For more information, to arraign for a Class A or to donate, call the Lighthouse at 206-282-5600. 

In these trying times, it is incumbent on all to do what they can. The Bereavement Uniform Program has an important role to play in honoring those lost and in thanking the families who shared them. Please take advantage of it. 

Do your best. Try to stay safe. Hope to shake your hand on the ‘other side’. 

Steve Cohen, Pres 

Lighthouse Uniform Company 

America’s Class A Solution ™