WESTFIELD–The Westfield Fire Department will be getting some new equipment after they received a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.
The department secured $141,205 through the grant, which was initially announced through a press release from Richard Neal’s office Aug. 19. The money will be used to purchase 57 new sets of turnout gear, which is the protective equipment firefighters wear in many hazardous situations. This adds to the six new sets that the department received for newly-hired firefighters last year.
Westfield firefighters Joe Manfredi, who has been on the department for five years, and Matt Marchesi, who has been on the department for 21 years, in turnout gear.
The department currently has 89 firefighters, each with their own turnout gear that is provided through the department.
Westfield Fire Chief Mary Regan said that the equipment is much needed to keep her men and women safe.
“New gear reduces the chance for injuries to a firefighter,” Regan said.
With the new turnout gear, several firefighters will have more up-to-date and improved protection. Regan said that this equipment not only protects against some hazardous materials, but also against bloodborne illnesses and pathogens, which makes them useful in situations that are medical in nature. However, the most common use is to prevent burns in fires.
“A burn can be devastating to a firefighter and the firefighting community,” Regan said. “It’s something that’s not just due to family, but to cost over time.”
Regan said that the new equipment will replace equipment in the department that is 10 years or older. According to Regan, the National Fire Protection Agency–the governing body for fire department equipment–says that turnout gear older than 10 years old is considered obsolete. Additionally, some of the gear that was shown by firefighters to Westfield News had small tears, which could lead to compromised safety of firefighters.
Small tear at the knee of one of the firefighter’s turnout gear.
Regan said that all of the turnout gear goes through inspection once a year. If any deficiencies are found, she said there are particular firefighters trained to repair the problems.
