DAPHNE — Daphne firefighters going into burning buildings or other threatening situations will have better protection following the purchase of new turnout gear.

The Daphne Fire Department announced the purchase and displayed the gear at an event Monday, July 18. The city recently bought 118 sets of turnout gear at a cost of about $280,000. Turnout gear is the personal protective equipment worn by firefighters in emergencies.

The equipment does more than protect firefighters from heat and smoke, department members said. Firefighters are exposed to toxic products of combustion and infectious diseases resulting in a 9% greater chance of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% greater chance of dying from cancer than the general population.

"A firefighter's first line of defense against these cancer-causing hazards is the protective turnout gear they wear," Battalion Chief Nathan Adams said.

The department also entered into an agreement with the StaySafe maintenance program to clean, decontaminate and inspect the equipment on a regular basis to ensure that the gear is working efficiently. The extended warranty will cost $28,202 for each year of the seven-year contract totaling $197,414.

Mayor Robin LeJeune said the safety of firefighters is worth the investment.

"The city of Daphne is committed to making the health and safety of our firefighters a top priority," LeJeune said. "By approving the funds for the purchase of the new turnout gear and by participating in the StaySafe program, our city council is showing its investment in their safety as well."

The Daphne Fire Department entered into the StaySafe maintenance program through LION, the manufacturer of the gear.

"The StaySafe program allows the Daphne Fire Department to send damaged pieces back to us for repair or replacement," Anna Lones, LION senior product marketing manager, said. "The program also provides biannual cleaning, decontamination and inspection of the gear as well as extended warranty repair of wear and tear for seven years."