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Raleigh Fire Chief Herbert Griffin
Fire Chief Herbert Griffin answers your questions about the Raleigh Fire Department, just ask.
Question: What is the Raleigh Fire Department doing to ensure that firefighters’ equipment is effective and as protective as possible from contamination?
Answer: The Raleigh Fire Department is committed to ensuring firefighter equipment is as effective and protective as possible from contamination through continuous vigilance and proactive strategies.
We regularly collaborate with national peers, academic institutions, and protective gear manufacturers to stay updated on the latest advancements in chemical and textile technologies. This includes evaluating new gear, through wear trials, to assess their functionality and effectiveness. A significant fire service industry focus is on removing harmful “forever chemicals” from the gear manufacturing process. These chemicals, while effective in making fabrics water- and oil-repellent, are now known to pose long-term health risks to firefighters. We are pushing for the development of safer alternatives that maintain protective qualities without harmful side effects.
Additionally, our department has implemented a structured approach to gear inspection. Since the early 2000s, our firefighters have conducted monthly gear inspections on the first day of each month, with a computer-based sign-off system.
In 2023, we further enhanced this process by training our incident safety officers (ISOs) to perform comprehensive annual inspections of all structural gear, including both primary and backup sets. This annual inspection program ensures a higher standard of accountability. The ISOs’ inspections also serve as valuable teaching moments, helping firefighters understand what to look for during their monthly inspections.
Through these ongoing efforts, the department ensures our equipment remains protective, functional, and up to date, while safeguarding our personnel from contamination risks.