These days when the sound of the fire alarm rings out, the Sloatsburg Volunteer Fire Department responds in brand new black turnout gear. Nothing says pride to a firefighter like new high-performance gear, especially when the gear being replaced is worn and faded and fire-seared from years of overuse.

In early March, the Sloatsburg Village Board issued a five-year $100,000 Serial Bond to purchase fire gear, a new Public Works truck, and for municipal improvements and repairs at both the Municipal Building and other village properties. $35,000 of the bond went toward 20 new units of fire gear at an estimated cost of $1750 per set of coat and pants. At that time, Village Trustee and Sloatsburg firefighter Pete Akey said that the bond was the first phase of replacing and updating fire department gear and equipment.

And now, the black high-tech new gear has arrived, with visible differences such as brightly illuminated yellow reflective trim on the jackets, which are lettered with Sloatsburg along the back. The reinforced, layered turnout jackets include some Kevlar and are contoured and fitted, with handwarmer pockets and hidden, zippered cargo pockets for radios as well as other equipment. An important new jacket addition is a drag rescue device on the back collar of the jacket that deploys in an emergency, extending out and acting as a strap-handle that allows the firefighter to be quickly dragged to safety.

Another new addition to the fire jackets is a laminated velcro patch that allows line officers to attach their ranks on the gear sleeves for easy identification.

The new fitted and reinforced pants are full of comfort features that add versatility and strength, aiding in movement during emergency rescue. A key upgrade to the pants is the knee area with enhanced foam knee pads that act as moisture barrier and provide protection.

The department and Village Board held a series of workshops that reviewed the department’s outdated gear and equipment as well as replacement options. Before the arrival of the new gear, the fire department had approximately 70 sets of turnout gear, with only 33 sets in full service. It was estimated that by 2013, the department could be down to 11 sets of useable gear that comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. The fire department is working with local grant writer Susan Daycock on grant proposals to cover additional gear and equipment — the department eventually needs to replace respirator equipment that costs nearly $5,000 per fireman, with SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) face pieces and tanks adding another $1,000 apiece.

“We’re still going to be needing replacement on different gear and different items,” Trustee Akey said at the time, adding that the department has scheduled fire boot replacement. “This is a good start,” he said.

More At SloatsburgVillage

Village Fire Gear Workshop — A special Village Board workshop discusses fire gear and equipment with Rockland County Legislator Doug Jobson, Carmen Dublaldi, legislative coordinator for Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, and Andrew Jennings, district representative for State Senator David Carlucci.