The Westport Fire Department will be able to purchase 30 pairs gloves for personal protection during firefighting operations thanks to a $2,670 firefighter turnout gear grant.

The money is provided by the state’s Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Department of Fire Services (DFS). 

“This gear will protect our firefighters from the immediate risks associated with fighting fires in dangerous environments, and just as importantly, protect them from the delayed risk of occupational cancers caused by exposure to the toxic chemicals produced during fires,” said Chief Brian Legendre. 

“Properly equipping our firefighters with the gear, they need to be safe allows them to do their jobs as effectively as possible and is a great benefit to the overall safety of our community,” the chief added. 

“We now know that the risk of occupational cancer is among the greatest threats faced by modern firefighters, and are thankful that the Commonwealth has been able to invest in this personal protective equipment to improve the overall health and safety of firefighters,” said State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey. “Providing firefighters with new hoods and gloves to protect their heads and hands from exposure to the toxic chemicals that cause cancer is one of the most effective steps we can take to prevent future cancer diagnoses.” 

Funding for this grant program was made available through the Baker-Polito administration for fire departments across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.