NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Cancer is a leading cause of death for men and women who fight fires and protect us every day, and The Nashville Fire Department is doing what it can to proactively protect its firefighters from toxins that could cause them to get sick.
NewsChannel 5's Carrie Sharp got a behind the scenes look at the department's Logistics Division, where the hum of washers and dryers is a constant.
The department is mandated to wash each firefighter's gear twice a year, but NFD works to do it far more often. Already this year, they've washed 1,100 hundred sets of "turnout gear."
NFD Commander Brian Butler says the name of the game with fire crews - is transparency.
"We tell our firefighters anytime they are exposed to some type of hazardous chemical or toxic smoke of any kind to reach out to us, and we'll come to them pick up their gear and have it cleaned."
Surprisingly, the turnaround time is just 24 hours, and each firefighter has two sets of gear.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email us at newsroom@newschannel5.com.
I'm so thankful Robb Coles highlighted the Kamer Davis clinic in Hermitage and the hardship that may force its closure. The clinic provides care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and there is no other place like it nearby. You can tell the staff is so passionate about the care they provide. I hope by shining the light on this, the right person can step in and make a difference.
- Carrie Sharp
