Tulsa Fire Department Rolls Out New Bunker Gear, Adds Streamlined System For Cleaning Gear

The Tulsa Fire Department has new bunker gear to better protect firefighters and make it easier for them to move.

The department also has an improved process for removing carcinogens from the gear.

Firefighters said they were excited for their new gear that has been three years in the making.

All 700-plus Tulsa firefighters are getting new, custom-fitted bunker gear.

“This gear's so much more flexible,” said Capt. Chad Bentley. “It allows us the maneuverability, whether we're getting in and out of trucks or crawling around on the ground on our hands and knees or bending down to pick something up.”

Each set, which includes gloves, boots, a hood, coat and helmet, costs $6,000.

“We actually had multiple vendors come into Tulsa, show us their gear that they had, firefighters volunteered their time to take all that gear through committee, so they practiced in multiple live burn events,” said TFD Chief of Health and Safety, Dan Newbury. “The firefighters actually chose the gear we have.”

Newbury said the helmet is lighter to reduce neck injuries and can be taken apart for cleaning.

“Also, the best part is there's a separation in here that if a firefighter gets entangled inside of some wires or something, the harder they pull, it will actually separate into two pieces,” said Newbury. “This will allow the firefighters to exit the structure still wearing a safety helmet.”

Other safety improvements include a streamlined cleaning process and a dedicated room and firefighter in charge of cleaning.

Each firefighter used to be in charge of his or her own cleaning, but now Lt. Floyd Fullingim oversees everyone's bunker gear and even fixes what he can.

“They drop their gear here,” explained Fullingim. “Then, they exchange and do their paperwork, and they get clean gear off the racks.”

The department said cleaner gear reduces cancer risks, and a custom fitting prevents injuries.

“As we protect them, they're able to quickly and efficiently get on firetrucks and protect the citizens of Tulsa,” said Newbury.

Money from the city and a government safety grant paid for the new gear.

Every TFD firefighter should have the gear in about six weeks.