Lansford looking to upgrade firefighter gear

Dec 02, 2023

Lansford Borough Council will apply for a gaming grant to help the borough fire department with turnout gear and portable radios.

Assistant Fire Chief Zachary Gilbert spoke to council regarding the need the department has for new turnout gear, or the protective pants and jackets worn by firefighters.

Some of the turnout gear dates to 2008, or older, Gilbert said, and the gear is not cheap - some estimates come in around $5,000 a set.

“We’re not looking to get the highest level of protection that you can get, we’re looking to get the best value and the best quality gear,” he said.

The fire department received some funding, but it doesn’t cover all of the cost, as firefighters also need a helmet, hood, gloves and boots, Gilbert said.

They estimate they need about $50,000 for the gear, he said.

Borough council President Bruce Markovich asked if they need anything else, as they may be able to apply for additional funding to ensure that at least the gear is covered.

Gilbert said they also need radios, explaining the units used to communicate with firefighters inside a burning structure aren’t much better than tin cans with string attached.

Markovich told him to get together a wish list, and see if they can apply for a $75,000 Local Share Account grant for the fire department.

“If that doesn’t work out for you, then we can sit down and revisit this,” he said, noting that they may be able to use some COVID-19 relief funding.

The funding would be for an LSA Monroe grant, and application window closes in September, Markovich said.