[Press Release] : MEDIA ADVISORY: Air-Pak X3 Demonstration for Media

[Press Releases]

MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact: Assistant Chief Brad Fraizer
Office - 573-874-7557, Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm

Air-Pak X3 Demonstration for Media

COLUMBIA, MO (April 16, 2015) - The Columbia Fire Department will host a live demonstration of the new Air-Pak X3 self-contained breathing apparatus at 2:00pm on Friday April 17 at the Columbia Fire Department Training Academy, 700 Big Bear Boulevard.

Fire personnel will discuss the difference between the old and new units, highlight the features of the Air-Pak X3 and provide a hands on opportunity in a controlled environment for those that attend.

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The Columbia Fire Department has acquired a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for $434,627.00 to equip Columbia fire fighters with upgraded, state-of-the-art air packs. The Air-Pak X3 SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) is manufactured by Scott Safety, a worldwide manufacturer of safety products.

The devices bring several welcome improvements to SCBA's currently in use by the department. Key upgrades include improved shoulder strap design, enhanced fire ground communications through the new AV-3000 HT face piece, a new external 'heads up display' and increased air tank capacity resulting in greater escape time capability.

Fire Chief Randy White stated 'The new X3 SCBA exceeds National Fire Protection Association standards and will give our fire fighters more air to breath on emergency scenes. I'd like to thank the citizens of Columbia for the ten percent matching funds totaling $48,291 that made this grant happen.'

Department staff are in the final stages of training on the new devices and expect a department wide roll out Friday, April 17. Local media and city officials will be invited to a live demonstration of the new air packs on April 17 and given an opportunity to try out these devices in a controlled environment. The time and location of this demonstration will be announced early next week.



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