The Hornell City Fire Department has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Public Employer Risk Management Association (PERMA) to purchase a specialized washer and dryer for firefighter gear.
The new equipment will help remove hazardous chemicals, asbestos, and toxic byproducts that cling to protective gear, reducing carcinogen exposure. Experts say these purpose-built machines are far more effective than hand-washing.
PERMA, which supports over 300 fire departments in New York, aims to help more stations acquire this vital cleaning technology to enhance firefighter safety.