© 2024 WFSU Public Media
WFSU News · Tallahassee · Panama City · Thomasville
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Local Firefighters Receive FEMA Grant To Help Improve Air Quality, Reduce Chance Of Cancer

Tallahassee Professional Fire Fighters Facebook page

Thanks to the work of Tallahassee’s Fire Department and local unions, the city’s firefighters have secured federal funds to help local fire stations install a much-need air filter system on their trucks.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, diesel exhaust is a carcinogen—capable of causing cancer. Tallahassee Firefighter Lieutenant and a shift rep with the Firefighters Local Union 2339 Jason Reese says that’s what’s coming out of the city’s fire trucks and it could negatively impact firefighters’ health.

“…as well as a lot of our gear in these smaller stations are still kept in the bay where diesel exhaust can fall and particulates can fall on it all day long, every day. Some of our workout equipment is in the bay where diesel exhaust can fall and particulates can fall on workout equipment, or a bench or a dumbbell, and then we go pick it up and we’re sweaty, and then we’re wearing it.”

That’s why Reese says firefighters are grateful for a $430,000 federal grant to allow for the installation of filter systems on most of Tallahassee’s fleet. The city is also adding a 10 percent match, bringing the total to more than $470,000.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.