Firefighters in Peachtree City will be better equipped to see inside smoky buildings using new self-contained breathing apparatus purchased by the city.
The City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 21 to approve using $487,608 of 2017 SPLOST funds to buy 64 breathing masks, 28 of which will have integrated thermal imaging displays for low-visibility situations. Fire Chief Joe O’Conor said the department evaluated four types of SCBAs before choosing the G1 model made by Mine Safety Appliances, based on battery life, washability and other factors. O’Conor called the new equipment “a giant step forward for us.” The purchase price includes device training as well as related parts and in-house repair equipment.
The existing breathing units will be designated as surplus and disposed of “in a manner most advantageous to the city.”
