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Safety committee approves turnout gear and new SCBA masks with voice amplifiers
Summary
The Safety Committee approved purchases for three sets of custom turnout gear and new SCBA masks with compatible voice amplifiers for the fire department; purchases were budgeted and will be recommended to the full board.
The Safety Committee approved a request from the fire department to purchase three sets of custom turnout gear for newly hired firefighters and to replace aging self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) masks with units compatible with both current and next-generation AirPaks. The committee also approved voice amplifiers to improve radio communications while firefighters wear masks.
The presenter said the three new firefighters began in April and currently use hand-me-down gear pending custom fit. The committee heard that existing SCBA masks are eight to 13 years old and scratched, reducing visibility. Members described recent high call activity — three fires in one afternoon — and said updated equipment would reduce strain on crews.
Both motions were approved by committee; the turnout-gear recommendation will be forwarded to the full board with a scheduled December 11 review. Committee members said both purchases were included in the department budget.
