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Firefighters are getting some updated equipment just in time for this month’s Republican National Convention.
In the wake of the latest terror threats leveled against the city, the FDNY has issued 1,500 new HAZ-MAT masks to help protect New York's Bravest from potential chemical, biological and nuclear attacks. FDNY Commissioner Nick Scoppetta says the masks are part of a $3.5 million upgrade for the department's 40 special units.
Firefighters at Rescue 5 on Staten Island were among the first city responders to try out the new gear Friday. The updated mask allows a downed firefighter to hook up to another firefighter's oxygen pack on the spot, and has a special valve to block toxins from entering the mask.
“When I take breath, it’s a positive pressure demand, so when I take a breath it releases a valve that allows me to get air,” said Firefighter Dan Baron. “Also, because of the positive pressure, there's always more pressure in the mask than there is outside, so if I develop a leak while I’m working and sweating and operating trying to help people out, the air leaks out instead of leaking in.”
The new mask also boasts a face piece display showing firefighters how much air is left in their tank. In a pinch, one firefighter can share air with another more quickly than ever before.
"There is one new connection that we have, a rescue connection on the mask, that will be a new procedure," said Staten Island Borough Commander Thomas Haring.
Eventually all members of the fire department will get a mask, but for now, they are an added bonus for a department that says it's ready for anything.
"Wwe're involved in protection and preparation and we just want to be prepared to deal with anything that might come along, and that's the Fire Department's role," said Haring. "We hope you never need us and if you do need us, we come and solve your problem."
"I think we're ready for anything, especially the rescue companies, the special operations men -- we're up for it," said Lieutenant Todd Smith. Fire officials say all special units, including fire chiefs, will be outfitted with the masks by the start of the convention.
The GOP convention runs from August 30 to September 2 at Madison Square Garden.
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