Firefighters in Hiawatha will gain the ability for a HUGE upgrade soon according to KCRG. The self-contained breathing apparatus units, or SCBA’s that were being used are over 20 years old and a long overdue upgrade is being awarded as a grant in the total of $262,210.

"Every time we go into a fire we're exposed to hydrocarbons, cyanide, stuff that will kill you and create cancer, the breathing apparatus we use to go into the smoke is an important part of that ensemble." - Fire Chief Mike Nesslage

If the city council approves the new budget, the new suits are the only line of defense between firefighters and cancer, lung disease and other health risks.

[Via KCRG]

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