OK Firefighters Raise Cash to Replace Defective Gear

Washington County Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Danny Wadsworth said he is growing more and more reluctant heading to structural fires with other volunteers wearing unsafe bunker gear.

"Imagine crawling through a building on your belly that is 1,800 degrees and the gear is not doing what it is supposed to be doing," said Danny Bennett, a 30-year volunteer fireman.

Washington County's volunteer firefighters hope to replace their bunker gear — not for aesthetic reasons, but because the worn-out coats and pants put them at risk.

Volunteer firefighters have taken it on their own to raise funds for 16 sets of coats and pants, with a total replacement cost of $40,000. One of the many fundraisers they hope to have was at Freddy's Custard & Steakburgers, 2100 SE Washington Blvd., Tuesday evening where a percentage from the meals will go toward new gear.

"The coats and pants are 15 years old, and they are supposed to be retired at 10 years," Wadsworth said.

The department is in violation of state standards, and it "puts the lives of firefighters in jeopardy when they don this equipment to go into structural fires," said Chris Bennett, volunteer firefighter.

The last set was purchased in 2004 through a grant. Firefighters have pursued other grants but have been unsuccessful this go-around, said Bennett.

The Washington County Volunteer Fire Department receives $10,000 a year from Washington County, but both men said it is barely enough to buy gasoline and repair trucks, let alone buy new gear. The department, based in Bartlesville, still doesn't have the funds to buy a pumper truck.

The problem with the outdated bunker gear is that the fire clothing bought for volunteers in 2004 doesn't always fit existing men and women. The department borrows bunker gear from all over the state to suit up the volunteers.

In addition, Velcro is defective and extreme exposures to heat has changed the color of the coats, which makes them ineffective.

"It's like when you get a bleach stain on a piece of clothing, and, over time, the material starts deteriorating," said Bennett.

The department has even purchased a sewing machine to repair torn clothing.

Defective bunker gear boils down to potential slower response times and Washington County may experience slower response times because firefighters feel unsafe venturing too deep or too fast in a burning building due to inadequate protective clothing.

Eventually, it could mean the Department does not respond to calls, said Wadsworth.

Wadsworth hopes someone will step forward with a donation or perhaps Washington County land owners could possible organize an "adopt-a-fireman" program.

Washington County Fire Department is a volunteer fire suppression agency with responsibility that covers all of the unincorporated area of Washington County. The department has 16 firefighting positions, three wildland fire engines, one tanker/tender, two utility patrols and two inflatable rescue boats. It specializes in wildland fires but responds to all types of calls including — structure fires, hazardous materials, traffic accidents, search and rescue, water rescue and severe weather.

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