Local
Jacksonville funds $2 million gear-cleaning system aimed at reducing firefighters’ toxic exposure
City Council approved nearly $31.5 million for three Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Fire and Rescue Department projects. The fire department’s $2 million carbon-dioxide system is designed to remove contaminants from gear and get it back into service faster.
Jacksonville City Council approved nearly $31.5 million for three projects involving the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department on Oct. 15, including $2 million for a system to clean firefighters’ protective gear.
The carbon-dioxide extraction system will help remove contaminants picked up at hazardous scenes, Fire Chief Percy Golden said. The cleaning process uses liquid carbon dioxide that becomes gas and extracts contaminants without water, reducing the time needed to dry gear and return it to service.
Golden said the system adds a layer of protection for firefighters who face exposure to toxic substances on calls. Firefighters have an elevated cancer risk, he said, and the department is trying to reduce that danger through improved gear-cleaning practices.
JFRD held a memorial last year for firefighters Ian Church and Jason Woodruff, who died of cancer, Golden said. He described the new equipment as an important step toward protecting the department’s workforce.
The council’s overall approval covers three projects for JSO and JFRD; details of the other two projects were not provided in the available information.