The Loganville Tribune

LOGANVILLE — Members of the Loganville Fire Department will soon all be wearing new firefighting duds courtesy of $23,000 the city allocated for the purchase before closing out its 2007 budget.

“Each set of coat and pants cost $1,795 and the boots are $285 a pair,” said Lt. Rick Morris of the LFD. “But the outfits are much lighter than what we have at present and the purchase allows us to all go into the upgraded outfits.”

Morris said weight of the gear is a major factor in fatigue and the new outfits will allow the firefighters to stay in an active firefighting role longer before having to retreat.

“The boots especially will make a big difference because they aren’t near as heavy as the ones we use now,” Morris said. “The old outfits also retained the moisture which made them much heavier. All that extra weight contributes to the firefighter becoming fatigued much quicker.”

The LFD has also purchased an industrial washing machine from money donated by Meridian Homes following the fire in Village Place earlier on in the year.

Morris said the equipment is on order but hasn’t arrived yet. The new suits are all expected to be in by the end of summer.

“Each firefighter was individually fitted for the outfit and they are presently being made to order,” Morris said. “This is the first time we’ve been able to do that. New fire gear has come a long way and the truer fit and lighter weight is a great upgrade for us. This brings up our level of self-protection and helps in looking after the interests of the individual firefighters.”

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