I've spent the last 2 nights at our Firehouse attending training on our new Genesis Boron Capable Jaws of Life Equipment. The new Rescue Truck we received partly though Fed Help came with it. Not much different than what we already have but some minor differences the Chief wants us all familiar with.... Last night I was pretty emotionally affected as I was presented with brand new Structural Firefighting gear. Been wearing handed down equipment since I became a FireFighter. Our Fire Company is a small all Volunteer Dept and Funds are always an issue as we try to stay current and safe. My new gear is Veridian Advanced Kevlar/Nomex w/ Caldura SL2 Thermal Lining and some of the best in the industry for what we get involved in. Spent this morning taking them apart (liners) (stiff as a board), washing, drying (air cycle only), and putting them back together (OOoooh what a pain) The new set has higher trousers/shorter jacket and is alot more maneuverable in once I get the stiffness out of them.

Couple before and after pics:

Very cool, hope you enjoy em =)

nice! sleep in them for a couple nights' that'll break em in

LOL! Jack, and I have heard that before. They do loosen up as you go along. Never had a new pair to break in before. It'* always hard to do the work required at a fire scene with these and the rest of the gear on without the stiffness of new. It'* kinda a 2 way street, but the superior materials of just the last few years and the age of my old suit makes it worth the effort. I got a little distracted w/ things and getting back into being active again. Guess this is nice "Welcome Back"

That'* some good stuff ya got there! Like Jack said just sleep in them for a couple nights and you'll be good hehehe

House is already to hot with it to cold outside not to burn wood yet to warm for my wood furnace. It has one setting. "Here'* comes Hell in a vent." Right now I got the front and back doors open letting some heat buildup out before I load it for the night.

You would sweat to death sleeping in those things. Looks like you will be safe. GOOD! We need you around here. I noticed they say Silver Lake. And i know you come to Michigan Often. Its not Silver Lake Michigan is it?

No I live in a Hamlet called Laurel lake, or what us locals refer to as "Prugatory" (Because we are actually in unincorporated county land. No Police/Services/Street lights/etc. We reside within a Township (kinda like a sub-county) called Silver Lake. The Fire Company serves alot of the Towns, Hamlets, and unincorporated land within the Township and beyond according to agreements. (And tax money subsidies)

The new suit looks great John. What'* that on the right chest? Looks kinda like a pin.

New bunker us always a pain John. A couple of training sessions or incidents and they will be as soft as butter. Careful on washing the liner/vapor barrier. You can loose some of the effectiveness with the wrong detergent and machine ( non agitating extractors are used ).