The Casa Grande Fire Department is proud to announce it has received a $124,772 grant from the Gila River Indian Community through the Proposition 202 grant process.
This funding will support the purchase and installation of three Solo Rescue Decon Washers, equipment designed to combat one of the most serious occupational hazards faced by firefighters: cancer.
“This grant represents a significant advancement in the department’s mission to protect its personnel by implementing state-of-the-art cancer prevention measures,” said the grant’s author, Fire Marshal Frank Ricci. “The grant aims to reduce the harmful exposure firefighters face in the line of duty.”
Firefighters are regularly exposed to toxic substances in conditions such as structure and vehicle fires and other hazardous environments. These contaminants, which cling to SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) equipment, face pieces, hand tools, boots and helmets, have been linked to elevated cancer risk.
The washers offer a breakthrough solution, quickly eliminating up to 99% of carcinogenic contaminants from firefighting gear and equipment. Each washer has been designed with advanced safety features.
The machines require just 1.6 gallons of water per cycle compared to traditional methods, which typically consume many more gallons per cleaning. This offers an efficient alternative that directly addresses the water challenges facing Casa Grande’s desert community while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
This addition to the department represents the department’s ongoing commitment to improving health and safety measures for its personnel. The grant’s support makes it possible to better protect those who put their lives on the line every day, further strengthening the department’s capacity to serve and safeguard the community.
