Clemson University Fire Department receives federal grant

Published: February 25, 2010

By Mark Sublette

CLEMSON — The Clemson University Fire Department has been awarded a $123,120 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for new protective gear and equipment.

The grant will cover the acquisition costs of new protective gear for each Clemson firefighter, as well as a commercial washer/extractor to clean, maintain and decontaminate the equipment, said Fire Chief William Daniel. The grant was awarded through a cooperative grant application through the City of Clemson.

Each crewman will receive a new helmet, boots, gloves, turnout coat and pants. The grant will also cover the cost of a new breathing air compressor to fill air cylinders and portable monitors for each of the three ambulances to assess and monitor levels of carbon monoxide in the blood of patients and firefighters exposed to products of combustion.

"This will enhance firefighter safety," said Daniel. "Right now, we have to send the equipment out to be cleaned and decontaminated, and with the grant we will be able to handle the task on the premises.

"We have had to replace our gear on a rotating basis, and this will give us the opportunity to give everyone new equipment at the same time," he said. "Safety standards require replacement every 10 years, so this will start us over on a new cycle. It is a real morale booster in lean economic times."

Daniel explained that the technology of carbon monoxide monitoring is relatively new, and the fire crews will now be able to test for exposure on site, rather than have to wait for hospital testing.

"The more we learn about carbon monoxide exposure, the better we'll be able to protect our firefighters and help fire victims," said Daniel.

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