West Alabama fire department lands grant that could potentially save firefighters’ lives

HAMILTON, Ala. (WBRC) - A Marion County fire department is getting a large federal grant for equipment that could potentially save firefighters’ lives.

Experts say the danger lurks inside the fire department itself. In fact, studies show firefighters face a higher risk of cancer-related death because of exposure to toxic emissions and hazardous gear.

The $100,000 grant will be used to buy a piece of equipment that’ll attach to the fire truck’s exhaust system and redirect the emissions away from the fire department.

Hamilton firefighter Taten Palmer knows the emission smell all too well, and it’s one he would rather not have to deal with ever again.

“A lot of these fumes from the exhaust stays in the bays and also our sleeping quarters are near these bays,” said Palmer.

But, a change for the better is on the way.

“I was super excited,” Hamilton Fire Chief Matt McCracken said when he learned the fire department had been selected.

Chief McCracken led the charge in applying for the FEMA grant to make it possible. The grant will enable the fire department to have a removal system installed that will capture the diesel fumes from the fire truck and redirect the particles outside.

They’ll install piping, a tracking system with hoses that will attach directly to the mufflers to the truck and will automatically disengage when the truck pulls out," said Chief McCracken.

A firefighter will be assigned to make sure the magnetic piping is hooked up to the truck each time they back in.

“In my opinion, this is huge,” said Hamilton Mayor Tami Williams.

Mayor Williams credited Chief McCracken for doing the leg work. The mayor added a support letter to the grant application.

“We are essentially doing something to give back to the men who put their lives on the line for us everyday,” said Mayor Williams.

One study showed ‘occupational cancer’ is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service today.

“So what we want to do is try to eliminate that in Hamilton,” said Chief McCracken.

The fire department has a ventilation system already in place, but it is ‘yesterday’s technology’.

“Now with this system, hopefully we’ll get every bit of these toxic fumes out,” said Palmer.

Which means Palmer wants to live out his fire service career toxic free.

Chief McCracken said the new exhaust capture system should be in place sometime between eight and twelve weeks.

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