BEACON (8 August 06) - With all the nationwide controversy, especially with the near-by FDNY, Beacon is not taking any chances with it's bravest. Recently the city purchased 45 harnesses for both of it's volunteer and paid firefighters. At least 10 firefighters already had the harnesses and the 45 new ones will give just about every active interior firefighter a harness.

Since the incident with the FDNY, when firefighters had to jump 4 stories because they did not have rope or harnesses to safely evacuate the building, many departments are now providing its members with this valuable safety equipment.

The harness and rope safely allow firefighters to evacuate a building from a window or roof if they have too. In addition it also allows firefighters to rescue victims that are inaccessible by ladders, when firefighters can't make entry to an apartment such as in a hi-rise.

All this month Beacon Firefighters will be trained on the new equipment and be issued the harness and rope system.

Photos By: Nicole Phelps

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