Rabun Co. Fire receives Donation to fight Cancer

The Rabun County Fire Department recently received a donation to help fight against cancer, explains Assistant Fire Chief Justin Upchurch.  “Approximately 18 months ago, Rabun County Fire Department was contacted by members of the 100 Club Of Rabun County to see if there was anything needed by firefighters of Rabun County to keep them safer.  We knew there was a need for a heavy-duty washing machine, gear extractor and dryer to clean turnout gear used during a fire. Fire Service research has shown over the years that firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population, according to NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) study results. {Source: Firefighter Cancer Support Network}  Firefighters come into contact with higher amounts of deadly carcinogens during a normal fire, and at times crawl through and get debris all over their gear. Over the past five years or longer, fire departments nationwide have been developing and implementing different ways to decontaminate their gear including light decontamination on fire scenes, bagging up turnout gear for washing, and leaving gear out of compartments. The 100 Club of Rabun County donated funds to Rabun County for the purchase of a gear washer/extractor and dryer, ($15,000) including hookups and necessary detergent/cleaning agents.  Unfortunately, it took several months for everything to come together and have this system completely installed; it is now up and running perfectly. We can now clean two sets of gear and have them back in service in approximately three hours.” Rabun County Firefighters are grateful to the 100 Club of Rabun for their generous donation.