Firefighters get $20,000 in gear

Naperville Fire Department received a $20,000 grant Wednesday that will pay for 10 sets of protective clothing -- called "turnout suits" -- for firefighters.

The money came from the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company through a program called Fireman's Fund Heritage, which has donated almost $16 million to departments nationwide.

ProAccess Insurance Wholesalers was instrumental in bringing the grant to Naperville, officials said.

Mayor George Pradel was among those attending the grant ceremonies at Station No. 7.

"Fire safety is important to me," Pradel said. "These (firefighters) are part of what makes Naperville one of the best cities in the country…"

"Our mission is to safeguard lives and property in the city of Naperville," Fire Chief John Wu said. "These new turnout suits will help protect the firefighters from spills, heat and smoke while they work."

The state-of-the-art protective suits will be put to use in Naperville's newest fire station on the corner of Fifth and Ogden avenues.

Two firefighters demonstrated how to properly use the equipment, highlighting the safety features. Executives from the insurance companies tried on the gear themselves before addressing the group.

"Thank you for what you do," said field Vice President David Higley of Fireman's Fund. "We hope our grant helps out. Two-thirds of fire departments in the country don't have updated gear that is less than 10 years old, and it really does make a difference."

Higley and Bill Schmitt, vice president of ProAccess, are both Naperville residents. Schmitt said that helped sway their decision to funnel the grant to Naperville.

"I'm from Naperville," Schmitt said, "so over my time at ProAccess we were able to earmark the next big donation we could give for this community."

Wu said residents will benefit, too, not only through increased fire protection, but monetarily.

"The city enjoys low tax rates because we are constantly looking for grants to offset the costs of doing business," he said. "We are trying to keep taxes down and provide a higher level of service at the same time. Grant money is essential to that."