Thanks to a generous donation from the Bierman Family Foundation, Merrill fire fighters will soon be equipped with the most current and technologically advanced SCBA’s in the fire fighting industry.
The G1 SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) is manufactured by Mine Safety Appliances, a worldwide manufacturer of safety products. The devices bring several welcome improvements over the SCBA’s currently in use by the department. Key upgrades include lighter face masks, higher oxygen capacity and lighter overall weight of the devices.
In addition, they come equipped with key safety features including a digital facemask HUD.
The department has purchased 30 G1 SCBA’s at an estimated $250,000, every dollar being covered by the Bierman donation.
“The vision of this gift is to improve the safety and well being of the citizens, businesses and fire fighters in our community,” explains Fire Chief Dave Savone. “This gift shows the vitality of the city’s future. This gift has provided resources to replace this equipment which was out of date and the Merrill Fire Department is very grateful for this gift.”
Department staff are currently training with the devices, but no exact time line has been set for them to be in full service.
“This is something we can’t rush,” Savone adds. “”These devices are our life blood when we go into any sort of hazardous area so we want to assure our staff are ready to use these devices without a second thought.”
The department is currently implementing a rigorous program involving both classroom and hands-on exercises to train and prepare department staff for transition to the new SCBA’s.