MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) team will receive a second set of gear, thanks to a new budget plan approved by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.
The fire rescue team announced the budget’s approval in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
MCFR says the budget change marks the completion of a “multi-year project” that will grant firefighters an additional set of gear to help prevent exposure to harmful substances that could be potentially cancerous.
“On behalf of MCFR, I want to express our deep gratitude to the Commissioners for their commitment to the safety and well-being of our firefighters,” says MCFR Fire Chief James Banta. “By authorizing the purchase of a second set of bunker gear, you’ve taken a critical step in our ongoing cancer prevention initiatives.”
MCFR says having a second set of gear will allow firefighters to immediately replace their original set while it is being decontaminated. This means less downtime for the firefighters who would otherwise have to wait for their original set to be cleaned.
MCFR says it also reduces wear and tear on the gear, allowing it to endure a longer lifespan. And, above all, it protects the lives of the firefighters.
“This decision not only enhances the health and safety of our dedicated team but also reinforces how the County Commissioners prioritize public safety and the well-being of our community,” says Chief Banta, talking to the County Commissioners. “Your support makes a tangible difference in our ability to protect and serve.”