The SLVFD with the help of our wonderful community has recently taken a major step in terms of modernizing our firefighting capability.

We have upgraded our entire fleet of aging Air Packs, some of our steel air bottles were literally decades old. Initial planning for this project started approximately 2 years ago. At the time we estimated the price tag for this project to run around $250,000. After much planning, negotiating and fund raising we were able to complete this project for approximately $190,000.

That price tag included all of the items on our wish list including the purchase of the air packs themselves as well as spare air bottles and individual facemasks and voice amplifiers for each interior firefighter. We were also able to upgrade our air compressor to facilitate the filling of the new higher pressure bottles. In addition to the air-packs we were able to purchase a “RIT-Kit” and “Pack Tracker”.

In the end the volunteers purchased this equipment with monies raised primarily through our letter campaigns, golf tournaments, general donations, and other various fund raising. We truly live in a great community, we know we are supported and we sincerely appreciate all of your contributions.

What’s New on the New Packs?

* The air bottles are smaller and lighter.
* The pack frame and straps are more modern and much more comfortable, allowing a firefighter to wear them for extended periods of time.
* Quick connect bottles will allow our support folks to change bottles while still on the firefighters back by simply pulling two handles and snapping the new bottle in place. On the older packs a knob had to be loosened and then tightened. The new system saves precious seconds during an emergency.
* Improved mask and Voice Amplifier makes it easier to communicate on the fire ground. On the old masks the firefighters had to yell through the sealed mask. On the new mask the firefighters voice is electronically amplified allowing him or her to speak normally. This is especially important while speaking on the radio.
* Heads up Display, on the new system the firefighter can monitor how much air he or she has left from right inside the mask. A series of lights lets the firefighter know the status of his or her air.
* Buddy Breathing. The new packs all have an additional quick connect hose line that will allow the firefighter to connect into another firefighters air supply in the event one of the firefighters is out of air. This connection also allows the firefighter to plug into the “RIT Kit” and to connect to the internal air supply on the ladder truck.

What is a Pack Tracker?

In the past every air-pack was equipped with an audible alarm that would sound if the firefighter became still after becoming injured or trapped, or if the firefighter manually sounded the alarm if in need of assistance. The new air-packs also feature this very important function, but they go a step further… Each air pack has a sensor installed that allows us to identify where all the firefighters are in the building. We now have a handheld device (shown in the picture) that gives us a visual and audio reference to where our firefighters are at all times. In the event that a firefighter is injured, trapped, or lost in the fire the rapid intervention team “RIT” can be guided to the firefighter using this device.

What is a “RIT” Kit?

A “RIT” Kit is very simply a life saving duffle bag that the “RIT” (Rapid Intervention Team) members can carry with them. The duffle is specially equipped with breathing air that has quick connectors that can be attached to the downed firefighters air supply so he or she can continue breathing while the extrication process happens. It also has a breathing mask that can be brought in and placed on any victims face regardless to whether or not the victim is a firefighter or a civilian not equipped with his or her own mask. Another feature of the “RIT” kit is the fittings are designed in such a fashion that firefighters can manipulate and find them with gloved hands and with no visibility such as in a smoke filled room.

As of the writing of this article our new equipment has already been used by our firefighters during the radiation incident on Helen Street and also at a fire scene where firefighters had to enter an attic space. We will use this equipment often to save properties and lives while at the same time keeping ourselves safe.

We end many of these articles by discussing the work our volunteers do and by how much we love the community that we work for. It is only through your support that we are able to make such advancements in our ability to protect our community and ourselves. Your generous donations were the primary source of funds used to cover the cost of this equipment. We cannot do our job without you, Thank You!!!