Extra Gear for Firefighters in Macomb and Oakland Counties

Good news for full-time firefighters in both Macomb and Oakland counties. They are set to receive an additional set of turnout gear, thanks to funding from a state grant.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced that it has awarded $15 million in state grants to a total of 187 fire and safety departments across Michigan. The purpose of these grants is to equip full-time career firefighters with a second set of turnout gear.

What Does The Gear Include?

Each additional set of turnout gear includes a coat, pants, and boots. This is part of a program called “The Firefighter Turnout Gear program” which aims to provide firefighters with current personal protective gear.

The significance of the additional gear is that it will allow firefighters to switch into a clean set after a fire, rather than waiting to clean their gear at the end of a shift. This can improve response times to emergencies, boosting their readiness to serve their communities.

Who Will Benefit?

The grants have been allocated to about 43 fire-rescue agencies in Macomb and Oakland counties. These include fire departments in townships such as Armada, Bruce-Romeo, Chesterfield in Macomb county and cities like Addison, Auburn Hills, Birmingham in Oakland county amongst others.

Officials anticipate that this move will “significantly enhance the safety and operational readiness of their firefighters”.

So, next time you see a firefighter, be sure to thank them for their service and know that the state is doing a little more to enhance their safety!