While the Medford Fire Department scored an important victory when funding was approved in February by Mayor Stephanie M. Burke for a second set of turnout gear – the gear worn by firefighters that protects them while responding to emergency situations – some feel as though there is still one step left before the issue of addressing firefighter safety can be hailed as a success.
"The issue remains that we still don't have the basic necessity...of what they call an extractor. Which is basically a giant washing machine on steroids that cleans this heavy-duty turnout gear," said Michael Marks, vice president of the Medford City Council during their March 7 meeting. "We have one giant washing machine for over 120 firefighters."
It is indeed true that Medford currently has one extractor and one drier, located at the fire headquarters on Main Street. The extractor can only wash one set of gear at a time, and takes about an hour and a half. It takes at least an additional two hours to dry, but the driers can accommodate two to three uniforms at the same time.