The Relief Association apparel store for friends and family is now open. New great designs with lots of colors and clothing options. A percentage of each purchase is donated directly to the Relief Association.
https://neill.design/collections/hugo-firefighters-relief-association
Recently the Relief Association purchased a Decon Pak tool to help wash gear, 
which is the best way we can help prevent the rising cases of cancer in the fire service.
Studies show that field decon using soap, water, and brush can reduce cancer-causing contamination on turnout gear by 85%. The system includes a 2.5 gallon container for detergent, 12-foot hose with fan spray nozzle, and a simple built-in eductor that allows water from the truck to be used in a mix or rinse application.
The new DECON pak is an additional tool in a multifaceted effort to reduce firefighters’ exposures to cancer-causing contaminants. The goals of the product were to make it easy-to-deploy, simple-to-use, and effective in getting contaminants off the firefighter before they get into the apparatus or their personal vehicle.
To read more about this product click here.
To read more about the growing cancer epidemic in the fire service click here.
In June, the Hugo Firefighters Relief Association used donated funds to purchase new hoods that are a key part of a firefighter’s structural fire fighting gear.
The hood is worn around the head and covers all parts of the head and neck that are not covered by the SCBA (Self-contained breathing apparatus) mask. It is key piece of equipment that firefighters use to stay safe during fire attack. Older model hoods are sufficient at helping protect against heat and flames, but do little to help block particulates and carcinogens. These new hoods are better rated for helping against heat as they have multiple layers and also protect against particulate hazards.
As we learn more about the potentially harmful contaminants found at the fire ground, the need for protection against those particulate hazards continues to grow. Studies have shown that the head and neck area are often most exposed to the unseen dangers of a fire. Wearing a particulate hood will give firefighters the additional protection they need; as we continue to learn about cancer awareness and approve our prevention of it in the fire service.
To read more about the hoods we purchased click here.
To read more about the growing cancer epidemic in the fire service click here.