This week’s bouquets go to:

From the Gladstone Volunteer Fire Department and Gladstone Public Safety:

In Jan. 2018, members of the Gladstone Volunteer Fire Department began seeking funding to acquire a means to properly wash and decontaminate their department issued fire gear. Funding was eventually secured through various grants throughout the area. Grant money was awarded through Enbridge, TransCanada, and Plains Pipeline Groups. A generous donation was also received from OSF Healthcare. Additional monies were generated through Gladstone Volunteer Fire Department’s annual 4th of July French fry sale as well as the annual golf tournament fundraiser.

With all of these funds, a PPE washer/extractor was purchased in December 2018 from Groves Ready Rack, located in Woodstock Ill. The washer/extractor was recently installed in the fire hall at Gladstone Public Safety.

The washer/extractor is compliant with National Fire Protection Agency Standard 1851, which states “Organizations shall provide a means for having ensemble elements cleaned and decontaminated”. This NFPA standard is designed to combat the risk factors that firefighting personnel are exposed to on a daily basis. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer, and a 14% greater risk of dying from cancer. The most common cancers are associated with the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system and the kidneys.

The routine washing and cleaning of firefighter’s turnout gear reduces overall exposure to carcinogens associated with these cancers, therefore reducing cancer risk.

the Gladstone Volunteer Fire Department and staff at Gladstone Public Safety would like to thank the above mentioned entities for making the purchase of this piece of equipment possible.

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Each Saturday the Daily Press salutes individuals and groups from our area who have had a very positive impact on the way we live.

We identify our bouquet recipients in one of two ways: from Daily Press news pages and from nominations sent in by our readers.

Mail us a postcard or letter identifying your nomination and putting into detail what they’ve done. Include your name, address, and phone number. Send nominations to Saturday Bouquets, The Daily Press, 600 Ludington Street, Escanaba, MI 49829.

They may also be sent to us by going to our Web site, www.dailypress.net, and clicking on the submit news button. Once there, click on “Bouquets” and follow the simple instructions.