All of Pembroke Pines' firefighters soon will be outfitted with new protective gear.
One hundred new sets of bunker gear -- the protective fire uniform that includes a coat, gloves, pants and boots -- will replace the older, worn ones.
"This is a standard change. Every year the city tries to replace one third of the gear," said Dave Raines, the city's fire marshal. "This year we are purchasing 100 to account for the last third and projected new [department] hires. This will complete a three-year cycle."
The department purchased 80 sets of bunker gear last year, Raines said.
The final group of 226 city firefighters is expected to receive the new uniforms in January.
The old gear will be kept for backup use in case the new gear gets contaminated. It also will be used during training exercises.
The bunker gear protects firefighters primarily from flames, but also from harmful chemicals and other dangerous materials.
The equipment was purchased from Fisher Scientific Company, LLC in Tampa for $107,642, money that was included in the fire department's 2003-04 budget.
Firefighters will be carrying slightly less weight when wearing the new gear, which is a few ounces lighter, Raines said.
