We are pleased to announce that Central Douglas Fire & Rescue Authority has been awarded a $67,554.54 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to purchase six commercial turnout gear washer-extractors.

Central Douglas Fire & Rescue will provide a $6,755.46 local match, bringing the total investment in this project to $74,310.00.

This funding will allow us to place a dedicated commercial turnout gear washer-extractor at each of our six staffed fire stations. These machines will allow our firefighters to properly clean their protective clothing at their assigned station following emergency incidents.

Firefighters can be exposed to numerous hazardous contaminants during structure fires and other emergency calls. Properly cleaning turnout gear is an important part of reducing exposure to those contaminants and protecting the long-term health of our firefighters.

For us, this project carries a particularly personal meaning. Our fire family has recently said goodbye to two young retired members who passed away from cancer. Both spent years serving their communities and answering the call when others needed help. Their loss has been felt deeply throughout our organization, and it reminds us of the responsibility we have to care for the men and women who serve as firefighters today.

We carry the memory of those who came before us, and we are grateful for the years they gave to our department and our communities. Their passing reminds us that we have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect the firefighters who are serving today and those who will come after them.

The new washers are specifically designed for cleaning firefighter protective clothing and will provide our crews with the ability to clean their turnout gear promptly after emergency incidents. Having dedicated equipment at each of our six staffed stations will make proper gear cleaning more accessible and consistent for our firefighters.

This grant is about more than just purchasing six washing machines; it’s about taking care of our people. Our firefighters make tremendous sacrifices to take care of our community, and we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to take care of them in return. We hope this equipment helps our current firefighters stay healthier for many years after their time on the fireground is over.

Central Douglas Fire & Rescue responds to thousands of emergency calls each year throughout our service area in Douglas County. Central Douglas Fire & Rescue Authority is a partnership between Douglas County Fire District No. 2 and Winston-Dillard Fire District, providing fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to the communities we serve.

The six new washer-extractors will be installed at each of our six staffed stations following completion of the grant purchasing process.

We appreciate FEMA and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program for supporting this important firefighter health and safety project and helping us provide better protection for the men and women who serve our communities.