The East Providence Fire Department just created history! It is the first fire department in the United States to outfit all their personnel with completely non-PFAS firefighter turnout gear. This incredible feat couldn’t have been accomplished without the strategic collaboration between Fire-Dex and Milliken & Company. The department received 170 of the new sets of gear. This makes sure that the city’s entire fleet of 125 full-time firefighters is outfitted with the cutting-edge protective wear.
To provide departments with PFAS-free turnout gear, Fire-Dex partnered with Milliken & Company. In doing so, they delivered this life-saving equipment to the East Providence Fire Department in East Providence, R.I. This development is a welcome sign and a parallel to Rhode Island’s bill H.B. 5019, which was introduced in that state earlier this year. Beginning in 2027, the bill would ban manufacturers’ intentional introductions of PFASs into firefighter turnout gear sold or distributed in the state. Milliken & Company is a textile manufacturer.
Every piece of non-PFAS gear that Fire-Dex donated was push-tested, flame-tested, and safety tested. It is UL certified and compliant with the NFPA 1971-2018 standard. In October 2024, Fire-Dex debuted Assure™. This cutting-edge approach is achieving performance goals on all three tiers while entirely sidestepping PFAS chemistry.
"This is about progress, partnership, and making deliberate decisions that reflect our department’s values." - Michael Carey, East Providence fire chief.
Fire-Dex is proud to partner with Milliken & Company and the East Providence Fire Department. Collectively, they supplied 170 sets of turnout gear. This equipment is a major step forward in ensuring the safety of firefighters. It further delivers on our strong environmental commitments.
"Fire-Dex and Milliken listened closely to what we wanted and worked with us every step of the way." - East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva.
Fire-Dex worked closely with Milliken & Company and the East Providence Fire Department to deliver the 170 sets of turnout gear. The adoption of this gear marks a significant step forward in ensuring firefighter safety while adhering to evolving environmental standards.
