01-03-2007 South Bend Firefighters Don State-of-the-Art Gear

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2 The new gear meets the latest National Fire Protection Association's 2007 standards. The firefighters' coats and bunker pants include improvements in safety and comfort features in the knee and shoulder area. A new "drag rescue device", designed to be used in the event that a firefighter is down and needs to be rescued, has been built into the upper back of each firefighter's coat. The coat is also designed to reduce weight and stress without sacrificing any protective capabilities. This improved efficiency was achieved, in part, by new PBI MATRIX technology, which uses a web of filament Kevlar to improve the durability of the garment and give it high tear and tensile strength. The new boots that firefighters will be wearing are made out of leather. Though the department has traditionally used rubber boots, the new custom-fit leather boots have proven to be more comfortable in the firefighters' often difficult working conditions. The helmets worn by the City firefighters are manufactured by Cairns 1044 and are designed with the purpose of all helmets - protection of the face and head from any debris the firefighter might encounter in an emergency. Prior to the new helmets, firefighters wore helmets made by different manufacturers. Now, firefighters wear uniform helmets which allows for ease in replacement and maintenance of parts. "Our firefighters deserve the best when it comes to their equipment and gear and the City is committed to ensuring their protection as they serve our community," Chief Taylor concluded. Common Council President Timothy Rouse said, "The acquisition of this cutting edge equipment is good for the City of South Bend as well as the firefighters. Receiving this Fire Act Grant documents the need to seek out alternative funding sources and to help bring federal tax dollars back to the city." He continued,the leadership of the South Bend Fire Department is using the grant funds wisely and is positioned to receive funding for future projects. The South Bend Fire Department has taken a lead roll as a team player to reach the goals of becoming a "Safe City" and a"World Class 21st Century City". On behalf of the South Bend Common Council I sincerely congratulate the Fire Department," Councilman Rouse continued. The upgrade of firefighter gear supplements a two year"Safe City"push by the City of South Bend. As part of South Bend's Safe City initiative, the Fire Department has enhanced safety services to meet 21s'century challenges. Additional Safety Upgrades: Included in the two-year upgrade was a 2004 Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant, which enhanced the South Bend Fire Department's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear capability and homeland security preparedness. In 2005, the Fire Department made equipment upgrades to fifteen front line fire trucks, including new Advanced Life Support systems in their emergency response units. In August of this year, the Fire Department broke ground on a $2.1 million dollar Fire Station, strategically located to optimize SBFD response-time to all emergencies. In the coming year, City officials will continue to work, in conjunction with county and state government agencies, to finance and build a state-of-the-art training facility to be located at the South Bend Regional Airport. The South Bend Fire Department has been researching training needs and identifying 21st Century logistics and technology that can be included at this facility and will also be working with federal agencies to this end. The training facility will be the first of its kind in the area, and will draw firefighter trainees from all over Indiana.