The Dubuque Fire Department is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2024 with new firefighting gear coming online. Assistant Fire Chief Josh Knepper showed off one of the snazzy new firefighting jackets, but it’s not a matter of style. A couple of years ago, Dubuque City Manager Mike Van Milligen learned older firefighting gear was manufactured using “forever chemicals” commonly known as PFAS. He alerted Fire Department staff. the inside of the protective clothing also is treated with PFAS, as is the moisture barrier buried inside the lining. The new gear has no PFAS chemicals on the outside or inside but still has them in the moisture barrier. one-third of the department will be outfitted in the first round of purchasing the new gear, with subsequent rounds to come. the goal is to have each firefighter with two sets of serviceable gear.
