Firefighter Protective Gear Exceeds 10-Year Mark as Senators Raise Safety Concerns and Urge Immediate Replacement

The ageing personal protective equipment used by local firefighters came under scrutiny from the Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety on Friday.

Senator Angel Bolques Jr. was interested in how old the gear was, as well as whether they contain polyfluoroalkyl, a group of synthetic chemicals, some of which repel heat. Also known as PFAs, some research shows that increased exposure could lead to some forms of cancer.

Antonio Stevens, the director of the V.I. Fire and Emergency Services, did not provide clarity on that question but shared that “the gear is over 10 years old for the older firefighters.” There are, he added, “some older firefighters in the St. Thomas/St. John that are in need of gear.” Though aged, the gear remains operational, Mr. Stevens said.

Senator Kenneth Gittens was distressed by the admission. “My heart dropped when you say 10 years for those type of equipment,” he told Stevens.