The Indianola Fire Department has acquired a personal protective equipment turnout gear dryer that enhances firefighter safety, thanks to a $20,000 Community Betterment Grant from Prairie Meadows.
“We are incredibly grateful to Prairie Meadows for their generous grant,” said Indianola Fire Chief Aaron Hurt. “Their investment to improving the lives of our dedicated firefighters and the community we serve is truly appreciated. This equipment will help make a significant difference in our ability to respond quickly and safely to emergencies.”
The City of Indianola and the Indianola Fire Department announced the grant award last August.
This new dryer – the Continental ExpressDry Turnout Gear Dryer – addresses a critical issue: The time-consuming process of drying turnout gear after washing. Firefighters' gear must be washed after every fire to remove carcinogenic chemicals produced by burning fuels. These chemicals can cause cancer – the second leading cause of death among firefighters today, according to the Firefighter Cancer Alliance.
The Indianola Fire Department follows rigorous protocols to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals. Firefighters wash their hands and faces after fires, and gear is removed and stored in designated areas to prevent cross-contamination.
Before acquiring the turnout gear dryer, the Indianola firefighters would hang their gear to air dry, taking several hours or even days. This downtime left firefighters without essential gear in case of another emergency. The turnout gear dryer will now reduce drying time to just a couple of hours, ensuring firefighters have access to critical equipment when they need it.
The turnout gear itself has two layers of protection: An outer shell that withstands high temperatures and sharp objects, and an inner liner that reflects heat and insulates the body. Both layers can absorb harmful chemicals, emphasizing the importance of proper washing and drying.
The new dryer uses forced air and low heat to dry gear, allowing it to dry from both the inside and outside simultaneously. This technology will significantly reduce drying time, enabling firefighters to return their gear to service faster.
Fire personnel will receive training on the dryer's operation and maintenance.
“Enhancing service delivery is an ongoing effort, and this new equipment is a vital component in that process,” Hurt said. “As firefighters, we face unpredictable and hazardous situations every day, and having the right tools is crucial to our safety and effectiveness. We're dedicated to providing the best possible service to our community, and our commitment to firefighter safety and enhanced service will benefit not only Indianola residents but also anyone requiring emergency services within the Indianola Fire District.
“We're proud to serve and protect our community, and we'll continue to work tirelessly to ensure they receive the highest level of care and service.”
According to its website, Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grants fund small-to-medium sized projects with grants ranging from $100 to $99,999. These grants support qualified organizations seeking to improve the lives of those in their communities.
To learn more about the Indianola Fire Department, please visit www.indianolaiowa.gov/fire.
Flip Through Photos: Indianola Fire New Turnout Gear Dryer
