TOP PHOTO: Veteran Firefighter Joey Gilbert showcases his new gear. The air mask he’s wearing contains an infrared camera, a screen for viewing and a voice amplifier.
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The La Follette Fire Department continues making progress in protecting a life to save property and life. “The entire department, all 21 full-time front line firefighters, now has all new bunker gear (also known as turnout gear),” said Chief Jimmy Pack.
Pack said that half of the new gear arrived last year, and the other half came in this year. All the new helmets were delivered last week.
Veteran Firefighter Joey Gilbert takes us through his new gear. A firefighter since 1982, Gilbert has seen a lot of the improvements over the years and calls the LFD’s new equipment “extremely new technology.” He explains that it’s just been a process to get to where we are today with equipment all these years later.
Pack calls off the cost each individual piece of equipment starting with the $9,000 air pack and mask, coat and pants for $1,800, turnout boots of $475 along with $245 for helmets and a pair of gloves costing $80 plus the Nomex hoods that cost $50 each. “We’re right at $12,000 to outfit a firefighter. That’s what it takes to protect them while they’re protecting our citizens and property,” said the chief.
“The gear helps dramatically in dealing with the heat. The outer layer of the jacket is rated up to 1,500 degrees,” added Gilbert.
La Follette is the only fire department in the county with thermal imaging. “All 21 full-time front line LFD firefighters are outfitted in full gear plus air packs,” stated Chief Pack. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/12/2021-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)