Firefighter safety is focus of big Homeland Security grant
A grant of $569,000 awarded to Skidmore College's Department of Health and Exercise
Sciences by the Department of Homeland Security will enable a team of Skidmore faculty
members and students to continue the department's pathbreaking research into new strategies
and technologies to ensure the safety of firefighters. 
The grant -- which follows an award of nearly $1 million two years ago -- was jointly announced by U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and Congressman Scott Murphy. It will enable Skidmore
researchers to investigate the effectiveness of new materials and textiles in reducing
the thermal and cardiovascular strain experienced by firefighters. The project will
also assess the ability of the base layers to provide thermal protection to firefighters.
Nearly half of all firefighter line-of-duty deaths each year are attributable to
sudden cardiac events ? a number that could be sharply reduced with the introduction
of lighter and more thermally protective "turnout gear," the heavy protective clothing
worn by firefighters to protect them from burn injury. Current turnout gear can weigh
more than 25 pounds.
The project may affect the firefighting gear that is worn by every firefighter in
the country.
"This is a truly exciting project because it may lead to a new 'integrated systems
approach' to designing protective clothing which could ultimately increase firefighter
work performance and decrease risk of injury and death on the fire ground," said Denise
Smith, professor of exercise science and the principle investigator on the study.
The study's co-principle investigator is Patricia Fehling, professor of exercise science
and chair of the department.
"Our firefighters are true heroes who deserve not only our unending respect, but
the very best safety resources we can offer," said Schumer. "Skidmore College will
do valuable research with this funding. By advancing the field and by putting our
best minds to work, we can ensure that the men and women who put their lives on the
line to keep their communities safe are secure in their own jobs and can keep doing
their jobs well."
"Providing funding to study and develop new life-saving measures is not only a smart
use of taxpayer money, but a responsible way to ensure that our men and women firefighters
are adequately protected and prepared when they are in the field," said Rep. Scott
Murphy. "By continuing to fund Professor Smith's work in cardiovascular health and
heat stress at Skidmore, we will be protecting the very best our communities have
to offer."
Also supporting the project is Globe Fire Suits, that largest manufacturer of firefighting
gear in the country.
