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by GLENN THRUSH
The Fire Department has begun handing out 1,500 new self-contained breathing systems that will give first responders added protection in the event of chemical, bioterror and radiological attacks.
The $3.5-million purchase of the self-contained breathing apparatus, announced yesterday at a Brooklyn graduation ceremony for 233 Fire Academy graduates, also makes it easier for firefighters to judge how much oxygen they have left in their tanks during emergencies.
The city plans to buy a total of 4,200 of the mask-tank combos, one for each on-duty firefighter responding to a call, department officials said.
"Technology changes all the time, and one of the things we have to be very careful is not to fight the last incident but look forward to what kinds of things you're likely to see tomorrow," Bloomberg said.
"I think this city is in as good a shape as it can possibly be. We've got to make sure we know what to do and we can respond and let the professionals do what they do best."
Each system, designed by Scott Health & Safety of North Carolina, has a special hatch that allows external oxygen sources to be connected without removing a mask - an important feature if a firefighter needs additional air.
The masks, made of special plastic, also give firefighters protection against caustic chemicals released during industrial accidents, Fire Department officials said.
The graduates honored at yesterday's ceremony at Brooklyn College included the department's first-ever brother-and-sister probies. Christopher and Lauren Smith will join their father, Phillip Smith, a 26-year veteran assigned to Ladder 54 in the Bronx.
Copyright © 2004, Newsday, Inc
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