Quincy Firefighters Retire Old Turnout Gear for PFAS-Free Version

QUINCY — Quincy firefighters have begun turning in turnout gear they've worn for seven years in exchange for new PFAS-free suits, a safety upgrade the department is highlighting as it works to cut firefighters' exposure to cancer-linked "forever chemicals."

TOWN HALL

The Quincy Fire Department is in the process of outfitting crews with new turnout gear manufactured without PFAS, the toxic chemical compounds long used in firefighting equipment for heat and water resistance but increasingly linked to elevated cancer risk among firefighters. It marks the department's first full gear changeover in seven years, with the city describing the exchange of old suits for new as a welcome step for crews concerned about long-term chemical exposure.

Separately, the city is continuing to collect family photo submissions for its Annual Candlelight Vigil Memorial video, an ongoing community remembrance project run through the mayor's office.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"🌱 Patch AM: Why Quincy firefighters are ditching their old gear after seven years" — Patch's morning newsletter flagged the same turnout-gear changeover Thursday, a story the city's own channels also covered today. Per Quincy Patch, the switch comes as fire departments nationally move away from PFAS-laden equipment over health concerns (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/quincy).