Debate in Quincy over funding for new firefighting gear after current gear tests positive for PFAS

Local News

Quincy’s city council delayed a vote on a $2.65 million plan to replace firefighter gear that contains harmful chemicals.

On March 2, 2018, a mother and child are rescued by a boat from their home. Many water rescue evacuations took place at residences flooded on Post Island Road in the Houghs Neck section of Quincy. Quincy firefighters used boats and front end loaders to rescue many residents. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff John Tlumacki / The Boston Globe

Quincy firefighters are sounding the alarm after city councilors delayed a vote on funding new protective gear, following the discovery of harmful PFAS chemicals in equipment currently in use.

Mayor Thomas Koch has asked the City Council to approve a $2.65 million bond to purchase new turnout gear free of PFAS — chemicals linked to cancer and other health risks, according to the Quincy Sun.

But on Monday, councilors voted 5 to 4 to keep the proposal in committee, delaying a final decision and frustrating firefighters and union leaders who had pushed for approval, the Sun reported.

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of “forever chemicals” often used in firefighting gear for their water- and heat-resistant properties. They’ve been reported to build up in the body over time and lead to increased cancer risk, as well as liver and thyroid issues.

The request for new gear comes after testing found PFAS in equipment the city had previously bought and believed to be free of the chemicals, prompting officials to seek replacements and consider possible legal action against manufacturers.

The proposed funding would cover two full sets of turnout gear for each firefighter, along with additional equipment for non-fire responses, as part of an effort to reduce long-term exposure.

Firefighters say the delay puts them at continued risk.

In a statement shared on social media Wednesday, the Quincy Firefighters Association Local 792 said it was “extremely disappointed” in the decision to delay the vote.

“That’s negligence, not due diligence,” the union said. “This isn’t about politics — this is about doing the right thing and protecting the men and women who go out and protect Quincy every day.”

City officials and researchers who have studied the issue emphasized the potential health stakes. Firefighters face elevated cancer risks compared to the general population, and occupational cancer is now a leading cause of line-of-duty deaths, according to fire officials.

Still, some councilors said they wanted more time to review the proposal, citing questions about cost, long-term durability of PFAS-free gear, and broader budget pressures.

“I would not be doing my job if I didn’t raise questions so that I and other councillors understand the issues before us,” Councillor Maggie McKee said in a statement cited by Boston 25 News.

Councillor Ziqiang Susan Yuan echoed that sentiment, saying the council needs time to review the proposed gear.

“If we don’t learn, fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me,” Yuan said.

The proposal is expected to be reconsidered in the coming weeks.

Morgan Rousseau is a freelance writer for Boston.com, where she reports on a variety of local and regional news.

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