New gear for Stockdale firefighters
By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
Firefighters in Stockdale may look a bit different on the scene of their next call, thanks to a $92,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
AFG grants, administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, have helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel for the past 20 years.
Fire Chief Tom Wilkinson said the department applied for the competitive grant last year and was recently awarded the funding, which was used to purchase 10 new sets of personalized turnout gear, 10 air packs and 10 coveralls for medical technicians to wear when responding to calls from their homes.
On Monday, the department debuted the new Morning Pride Pioneer series turnout gear in a brand new color and upgraded material.
Wilkinson said it had been at least a decade since the department last upgraded its uniforms.
“Some of our old gear was faded, turning black or even red in some places,” he said. “When that happens, it’s not safe to use for the guys.”
Wilkinson said 10 firefighters who most frequently respond to calls received new gear.
Other first responders with the department still have gear that is up to safety standards.
The new turnout gear cost about $25,000. The rest of the money was used to purchase new air packs and equip firefighters with thermal imaging cameras.
“You can only have air packs tested and certified for so long,” Wilkinson said. “While they continue to work, they won’t comply with safety protocols, which could have you running into problems.”
He said the new air packs with the built-in thermal cameras will help firefighters keep themselves and others safe on the job.
“Before, we had separate cameras which took the use of one of your hands, and in a rush, sometimes we might forget to grab it,” he said. “Now when we grab our air packs, we will have the camera right on them.”
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