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Committee approves $11,961 grant to buy firefighter turnout gear; PFAS transition noted
Summary
The committee recommended favorably acceptance of an $11,961.20 grant from the Commonwealth Department of Fire Services to buy turnout gear for Brockton firefighters; Chief Brian Nardelli said the funds will buy a few sets and noted PFAS removal requirements by 2027.
The Finance Committee on Monday recommended favorably an order accepting $11,961.20 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Fire Services to the Brockton Fire Department to purchase turnout gear.
Fire Chief Brian Nardelli told the committee the grant is leftover money from a five‑year SAFE (Safety and Equipment) program and is a non‑matching award. He said the department will use the funds immediately to purchase as many sets of turnout gear as possible; rising gear prices mean the grant will not cover a large number of full sets.
Chief Nardelli explained turnout gear includes coats and pants that provide thermal, water and biohazard protection for firefighters entering burning structures. He said manufacturers are moving to PFAS‑free materials and that any turnout gear purchased after 2027 will need to be PFAS‑free under forthcoming standards; the department has been shifting to lighter EMS‑style coats for non‑fire calls to reduce heat exposure and long‑term risks.
Committee members voted to recommend the order favorably.
