An unnamed firefighter with the Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department described the department’s standard protective gear and equipment costs in remarks captured in the meeting transcript.

The firefighter said basic turnout gear includes bunker pants and steel-toed boots “that are steel toed and have a steel shank to them to keep from stuff going into our feet.” He described turnout jackets as “2 layers, a thermal barrier and a vapor barrier, that allows us to be in a super heated environment with steam,” and added that they are “not fire 100% fireproof.”

The nut graf: the speaker’s description underscores both the protective features and limits of modern firefighter gear and highlights a line-item cost frequently noted in public-safety procurement — radios. The firefighter said department radios are “waterproof, intrinsically safe” and can “cost anywhere from 7 to $10,000.”

According to the transcript, the department issues Nomex hoods to “protects our face and ears in the back of our neck, from heat and from fire that comes down,” and issues heat-rated gloves “to be able to sustain increased heat, to protect our hands.” The speaker said each firefighter carries a radio and that the Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department “chose this model in order to, for its firefighters.”

On helmets, the firefighter noted that leather helmets remain part of the fire service but the department issues “plastic helmets, which is a composite that’s approved by National Fire Protection Agency, NFPA.” He said individual members may buy leather helmets for themselves if they wish.

The transcript excerpt does not include details about a specific procurement decision, contract, budget line, or a formal vote on equipment purchases. It also does not specify the radio model, the per-unit cost the department actually paid, or funding sources for any purchases.

The remarks are technical and focused on gear function and safety limits rather than policy choices. The transcript excerpt contains no additional discussion of department budgets, grant requests, or town council action relating to the equipment.