Galeries Lafayette group and the Paris Fire Brigade take joint delivery of a hydraulic platform for the French capital
After the tragic fire that devastated Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on the night of April 15, 2019, Galeries Lafayette group made a one-million-euro donation to the Paris Fire Brigade in a tribute to the bravery and commitment of the French capital’s firefighters.
Today, Galeries Lafayette group and the Paris Fire Brigade, represented respectively by Executive Chairman Philippe Houzé, and Paris Fire Brigade commander Major General Jean-Marie Gontier, hosted an event to celebrate the delivery of the exceptional hydraulic platform acquired by the Paris Fire Brigade with Galeries Lafayette’s donation.
An unprecedented 42-metres high, and the first of its kind in inner Paris, this state-of-the-art equipment will boost the Paris Fire Brigade’s ability to tackle particularly complex situations involving very tall buildings. Because of its height and weight, it will be housed in the Massena fire station (Europe’s largest), in Paris’ 13th arrondissement.
With this joint inauguration, the Galeries Lafayette group marks its deep respect for the outstanding daily commitment of the Paris Fire Brigade and celebrates their long-standing relationship. Galeries Lafayette has had close ties with the Paris Fire Brigade since 1924, when a permanent detachment of firefighters took up quarters at the group’s flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann. Today, 50 firefighters ensure the safety of the store’s millions of visitors.
“The Galeries Lafayette group is proud to be able to support the
Paris Fire Brigade and mark the close ties that have united us for nearly 100 years. This donation is a tribute
to the daily courage and passion of the men and women who keep us safe in this city. We thank them very
warmly for their efforts.”
“This hydraulic platform will be a very useful addition to the
Paris megalopolis’ fire-fighting equipment. We work at heights ranging from 60m to nearly 400m and
respond to one incident every minute.”