By Michael Butler

The Tallassee Fire Department will be getting new personal protective equipment (PPE) primarily due to a $319,200 federal grant. The Assistance to Firefighters program is the contributor. A local match of $16,800 is being applied by the city.

The Tallassee City Council approved the financing at its Oct. 27 meeting. Tallassee will receive 30 new PPE/turnout gear sets. The Friendship and Eclectic Fire Departments will get 20 each.

“With the purchase of these much-needed PPE, our department along with neighboring departments will be able to better perform duties of fire suppression and rescue services,” said TFD chief Eric Jones. “We will be better protected from the elements of fire and heat. Firefighters will also encounter fewer cancer-causing materials.”

Jones went on to note that the equipment keeps the departments fully compliant with the latest NFPA and OSHA requirements.

“When our firefighters are better equipped, it will not only benefit our community but neighboring communities as well. We will become a much better mutual aid partner.”