ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Oftentimes, taxpayers never truly know how their money is being utilized, but that’s changing as the city of Albany allocates thousands of School Zone Camera funds for firefighter gear updates.

For the first time, WALB is getting a closer look at how these updates directly impact the men and women who protect and serve the city of Albany.

In an active emergency, firefighters have a lot to think about, and worrying about the reliability of their gear should not be a concern. That’s why fire stations in Albany are upgrading turnout gear for all firefighters for nearly $500,000.

Marcus Glass, the assistant fire chief for the Albany Fire Department, says current turnout gear has been in use for nearly a decade, and having new and improved gear is an essential part of a firefighter’s job effectiveness.

“It doesn’t just protect us against heat; it also protects us against harmful elements of fire and things that would cause cancer. The support we get from the community will help [firefighters] years after they stop fighting fire,” he said.

Close to $180,000 of previously allocated school zone camera funds will go towards turnout gear lockers.

The lockers are designed to keep firefighters from laying gear on the floor. They will also prevent cross-contamination of possible harmful materials from falling off equipment inside the fire station.

“These gears are not fireproof, and over time, they tear and fray. The element builds up on them, and even in washing them, it begins to break down. [The firefighters] have gone through a lot of fires, and this new gear will allow us to start that process over and keep our firefighters from elements that can hurt them in years to come,” Glass said.

Officials say turnout gear is a firefighter’s first line of defense, and it’s expected to last up to 10 years.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.