FDNY to Buy 1,500 New Air Masks

The city plans to equip firefighters with 1,500 new air masks designed to protect them from chemical or biological agents, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.

May 28, 2004

NEW YORK (AP) -- The city plans to equip firefighters with 1,500 new air masks designed to protect them from chemical or biological agents, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.

Bloomberg announced the $3.5 million purchase at a graduation ceremony for 233 probationary firefighters on Thursday.

The masks, which are designed by Scott Health & Safety of North Carolina, are self-contained breathing units that can be hooked up to external oxygen sources without being removed.

The masks also protect against chemicals and make it easier for firefighters to tell how much oxygen is left in their tanks.

The city hopes to eventually purchase a total of 4,200 of the units.