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Published on November 10, 2024
Casa Grande Firefighters' Cancer Risk Mitigation Boosted by $124K Grant for Advanced Decontamination WashersSource: Google Street View

The Casa Grande Fire Department has taken a major step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of their firefighters with the recent acquisition of a significant grant. In an effort to combat the ever-present occupational hazard of cancer among firefighters, the department received $124,772 from the Gila River Indian Community through the Prop 202 grant process. According to an official statement released by the City of Casa Grande, this funding will go towards purchasing and installing three Solo Rescue Decon Washers—equipment pivotal for reducing cancer risks associated with the profession.

The grant was authored by Fire Marshal Frank Ricci, who emphasized its potential to alter the department's capabilities fundamentally. "This grant represents a significant advancement in the department’s mission to protect its personnel by implementing state-of-the-art cancer prevention measures," Ricci said, aiming to reduce the harmful exposure firefighters face in the line of duty, according to the City of Casa Grande release. Firefighters, who face regular exposure to toxic substances in a myriad of hazardous environments, including from vehicle fires to structure fires, find their gear often contaminated with carcinogens which have been linked to elevated risks of cancer.

Equipped with advanced safety features, the Solo Rescue Decon Washers are a game-changing addition to the fire department, reportedly capable of eliminating up to 99% of carcinogenic contaminants from firefighting gear swiftly. According to the City of Casa Grande, these features range from rapid decontamination times of under 10 minutes for SCBA equipment to minimized exposure to toxins, offering a cleaner, healthier work environment for firefighters.

Furthermore, compared to traditional cleaning methods that are more water-intensive, these new machines exhibit an environmentally conscious design, using just 1.6 gallons of water per cycle—an especially critical benefit for a desert community like Casa Grande keen on resource conservation. Fire Chief Dave Kean expressed his support for the new equipment, “By using this advanced equipment, we can address critical needs within our department," he said, helping maintain standards of cleanliness while simultaneously fostering a safer and healthier atmosphere for the team, as per the City of Casa Grande statement.

The move by Casa Grande Fire Department signifies a dedicated effort to enhance the health and safety protocols for their personnel. With support from the grant, the department asserts its commitment to better protect those risking their lives daily, ensuring their capacity to serve and safeguard the community is bolstered by the latest advancements in safety technology.