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On reflection, safety is top priority for Palestine chief

Special to the Journal/East Palestine Fire Department Some examples of the East Palestine Fire Department’s existing reflective gear and safety equipment, as posted on Facebook by Chief Josh Brown.

EAST PALESTINE — Firefighters working the scene of an accident at state Routes 14 and 165 this past week were wearing their reflective safety gear but were still difficult to see in the low light of early morning hours, prompting a local resident to encourage donations for better gear.

Megan Wagner-Buckley posted on the “You Know You’re From East Palestine, Oh when …” Facebook page that she was worried about the firefighters’ safety as they directed traffic at the scene.

“It made me cringe to think how dangerous this could be for them. Not to mention, how important it is for firefighters to be highly visible in any emergency setting. From directing traffic to crawling through thick buildings of smoke this visibility helps protect their lives,” she wrote.

Wagner-Buckley wondered if the department was in need of more turnout gear for increased visibility, or replacement of existing turnout gear that may be getting older.

“I think this is a great opportunity for the community to help,” she said.

Fire Chief Josh Brown responded to the online post in a comment on the Facebook page, thanking everyone for their concern and explaining that in addition to the firefighters’ wearing their reflective vests at the scene they were also equipped with a flashlight designed for directing traffic, and a reflective stop/slow sign.

“I apologize for the inconvenience of not being able to see them even though they were equipped with the recommended safety equipment,” he added, explaining that it was possibly due to the lights from the fire engines making it more difficult to see.

“I agree with you 100 percent. That is one of my biggest fears that one of our guys or gals will be injured or worse. You are more than welcome to help out in any way you want,” Brown said in response to Wagner-Buckley.

He said all responders are required to wear the reflective safety vests during an emergency scene unless they are assigned to fight fire, as the vest will melt. Also, each of the department’s vehicles has an American National Standards Institute Class 3 reflective vest, and there are also six additional vests on each fire engine.

As for the replacement of personal protective equipment (PPE), he said that all of the gear meets the requirements set forth in the National Fire Protection Association standards 1971 and 1851, and that the department is required to replace the personal protective equipment every 10 years according to those standards.

“We have 30 members and the price to outfit one member with PPE is approximately $5,000,” he wrote. “That being said, the entire department would cost approximately $200,000.”

He added that the East Palestine Firefighters’ Association recently purchased large reflective Emergency Scene Ahead signs for placement before and after the accident scene, although the department was unfortunately unable to use the signs that morning.

“I will enact a policy change requiring that the fire engine scene lights be used in a manner to illuminate the area that the responders are using to direct traffic,” he said. “I will also look into additional reflective clothing to be used on accident scenes.”

He went on to say that some things the department is already doing include partnering with “the Puzzle Man” in town to raise money for extra nomex hoods so the department can implement a swap out system for decontamination for cancer prevention.

According to other news reports, and posts on the East Palestine Facebook page, the Puzzle Man is 91-year-old David Butler, who lives in East Palestine and has gained national attention over the last few months for his work piecing together large jigsaw puzzles as his favorite hobby and turning that hobby into raising money for charity.

Butler’s puzzle hobby first developed a large following on Facebook after his daughter, Cindy Fletcher, asked for any puzzles people were willing to give away for him to complete.

His work has been featured on ABC and Fox news televisions stations, in addition to other media outlets.

Brown said he is grateful for the community’s willingness to support the department and encouraged its continued support through the fire levy on the November election ballot.

“This levy in addition to funds raised by the East Palestine Firefighters’ Association is how we are able to purchase equipment needed to do our job,” he said.

The firefighters’ association has already planned a block party event from 5-10 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Clark Street fire station located at 67 E. Clark St. The free event will include an open house to learn more about the fire department, free food and drinks, a live DJ, bounce house, cornhole and more. A children’s movie with popcorn will be featured at dusk.

Brown said on Facebook that anyone wishing to make a donation to the firefighters’ association can make it to the East Palestine Firefighters’ Association at P.O. Box 101, East Palestine, Ohio 44413.

kwhite@mojonews.com

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