Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) has received more than 60 sets of new firefighter protective gear, including one of the newest firefighter turnout jackets available to first responders in North America.
The gear was purchased as part of its ongoing investment in providing ACFR firefighters with the latest innovations in firefighter safety equipment. These new turnout sets include the Globe G-XTREME PRO Jacket, pant system, and exposure reduction system.
“New innovations help to move the fire service forward, and we’re committed to investing in our firefighters and equipping them with the best products available,” said Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus. “The department was able to fund this enhancement without any additional budget requests. The new gear helps to enhance firefighter safety, so our firefighters are ready and prepared to serve our communities.”
The jacket has a three-layer design that incorporates special features within the back and sleeves, and has mesh channels in the liner to create the unique AXTION System. This system provides additional length across the back when reaching and helps enhance mobility and reduce bulk for firefighters.
In addition to a more inclusive fit, the jacket has new features including:
- A radio microphone pass-through that allows a radio to be worn under the jacket, with the radio lapel mic attaching to the mic strap without being fed out of the top of the jacket. This aligns with safety standards recommending wearing the radio on a strap under the jacket, which helps protect it from damage and ensures reliable communication.
- A redesigned T-collar: This vital component offers better engagement of the collar, resulting in improved neck protection. This new design allows for a more comfortable fit without interfering with the chin strap of the fire helmet or the self-contained breathing apparatus. Plus, this new design easily folds out of the way when not closed, allowing faster recovery of the firefighter.
- The pant system is designed for enhanced comfort and includes an added barrier in the fly and leg cuffs to help reduce particulate exposure.
“We took a number of factors into consideration in our decision to select this new gear,” said Alachua County Fire Rescue Division Chief of Logistics Jonathan Richardson. “Ultimately, our firefighters liked the fit, feel and their overall mobility while in the turnout gear, plus being lightweight and breathable with the special mic and collar features on the jacket.”
For more information, contact Alachua County Fire Rescue Captain/Recruitment & Public Education Jennifer Allee at 352-384-3101 or jallee@alachuacounty.us.
