WESTFIELD—The city’s fire department received new gear last week, providing additional protection to those who protect residents.
The department received 44 new outfits of turnout gear last Thursday, which is protective clothing worn by firefighters during most rescue activities, especially fires. The new gear came from a Department of Homeland Security grant, which was partially matched by the city of Westfield.
The gear is replacing several pieces that were not in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliance. NFPA is the national governing body for firefighter safety.
Three Westfield firefighters pose in their new turnout gear. From left to right: Michael Hawthorne, Patrick Scanlon, Randy Quarles. (Photo provided by Westfield Fire Department)
“Safety is the number one concern for us and it’s great to come in compliance and to put these 44 sets on the front line,” Westfield Fire Deputy Chief Patrick Kane, said.
Small tear at the knee of one of the firefighter’s turnout gear.
In addition, Kane said some of the equipment was in heavy disrepair, with tears and holes in it. This was especially true for the captains of the department, who tend to go to more fires in the city.
In addition to being in compliance with NFPA regulations and newer, the new gear also has additional safety features for firefighters. One notable feature is a rescue strap built into the gear.
Kane said that its use could be life-saving, as it would allow a fellow firefighter to drag an unconscious or downed firefighter to safety with greater ease. The rescue strap is built into the coat portion of the gear, and goes underneath the armpits of the firefighter, then around their chest, effectively distributing the weight being pulled.
The gear was purchased with a grant of just over $141,000 from the Department of Homeland Security. One of the stipulations for securing the grant was that the city would have to match 10 percent of the grant total, which Westfield did.
