Suiting up in style — and safety
By Rae KrugerArticle Photos
MARSHALL - These aren't custom-tailored suits for the office, but they're definitely custom-made suits for work.
Five Marshall volunteer firefighters will have new turnout gear thanks to an $8,000 contribution from Flint Hills Resources. Flint Hills operates an asphalt terminal in Marshall on North 7th Street.
"We've just been working with the city on overall projects at the plant," Marshall Flint Hills plant manager Mark Bailey said. Flint Hills wanted to give back to the city and decided to work with the fire department, Bailey said.
"For the most part, the gear is pretty much custom fit," said Ray Henriksen, an officer with the Marshall Fire Department.
"They measured us," firefighter Mike Versaevel said.
The gear was made to fit each of the firefighter's shoulders, waist, arms and other measurements. The four firefighters who tried their gear on this week said the coats and pants were roomier and provided more mobility than their old suits.
"With the old stuff, the sides of my coat would ride up," Versaevel said. "I can't believe how nice this is."
"There are more reflectors, that's big for safety..." firefighter Monte Buntjer said.
The coats also have a harness sewn inside the fabric. Firefighters can pull another firefighter to safety by using that harness, Marshall fire chief Marc Klaith said. The gear is the protection firefighters have between them and fire, smoke and steam.
Buntjer noted the sewn hand and forearm protectors built into the sleeve of the coat.
"The old gear doesn't have that, it's an advancement," Buntjer said.
While a firefighter wears protector gloves, the material sewn into the coat is another layer of protection.
"If the heat doesn't get to (the forearm) the steam will burn you," Henriksen said.
"The guys are hard on gear because we have a lot of calls," Klaith said.
Companies that manufacture protective gear make improvements, he said, adding that he tries to buy higher-end gear that offers good protection and will last longer.
The Flint Hills donation means Marshall can replace 10 sets this year, which is nice during an upcoming year when the city will have budget constraints, Klaith said. The city has budgeted for the replacement of five sets each year, and that's good, but it's nice to buy more, he said.
Bailey said Flint Hills was pleased to be able to add to the local fire department's gear.
"Over the years, the city has worked closely with us to help us operate safely and successfully in Marshall," Bailey said. "...we hope this donation will help our firefighters continue to keep our community safe."
