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GUAM Fire Department firefighters now have their own Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, or SCBA, masks.
“This is the first time in the history of the department that everybody is going to get their own mask. Normally we share masks,” GFD spokesman Lt. Ed Artero said.
Sizing, fitting and distribution of the masks started on Monday and will continue for the next two weeks.
The purchase of the SCBAs was made possible by a portion of a $314,000 grant the department received from Guam Homeland Security.
Approximately 320 masks were purchased for $68,000. Of the 320 masks, 256 will go to GFD personnel.
“This is the final component of the grant. We received tanks, air packs, filters, cartridges, and other equipment,” Artero said.
The breathing apparatus comes with an air pack which is a harness that is slipped on to the firefighter like a backpack.
“On the back is an air tank that holds about 400 psi of air,” Artero said. The total weight of the gear is estimated to be between 35 and 40 pounds.
