The Humane Society of Ventura County donated Personal Protective Equipment to Captain Romero with the Ventura County Fire Department this week in support of first responders working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

HSVC Shelter Director Jolene Hoffman offered to donate excess PPE on hand. “We did an inventory of our supplies and decided to donate the majority to those individuals who are putting themselves out there on the front lines,” said Hoffman.

According to Greg Cooper, Director of Community Outreach for the HSVC, most of the PPE was donated to the Shelter in support of their efforts during the wildfires over the past three years. “It’s great to have the donations come full circle, first from the community and now back out to those most in need,” Cooper continued.

Captain Romero, fire branch liaison for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Ventura, said the donation will be redistributed to those in need including first responders throughout Ventura County. “Everybody has the same needs treating citizens during this global pandemic including skilled nursing, privately run facilities, social services, homeless services, and first responders,” said Romero. The public can help with donations of PPE by calling the EOC at 805-465-6650. Most in need currently are cover gowns, face shields, and medical gloves.