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Protective equipment for firefighters has drastically improved in recent years. This section provides a glimse at the equipment that was used by Alberton firefighters over the years and shows how firefighter equipment went from the most basic of items to the most sophisticated of outfits.

The Early Years

From the time the Department was officially established in 1876 until about the 1940's, firefighter equipment, if it did exist, was rather sparse. During the Second World War, the fire hall served as the local headquarters for Air Raid Precaution (A.R.P.) control. When the war ended in 1945, the Town purchased equipment owned by the Civil Defense Committee. Numerous pieces of firefighting equipment including a pump, hoses, nozzles, sirens, and several articles for the firemen were acquired. These articles included rubber boots, coats, and overalls and though they were the most basic of items, they were definitely a welcome addition to the Department's limited inventory. In 1947, Town Council would approve the acquisition of another fire truck and at the same time, additional pairs of boots, coveralls, sou'westers, and six more rubber coats were also purchased.

The 1950's to 1970's

As time progressed into the 1950's, more formal firefighter equipment was obtained by the Department. Long black coats, like the one pictured right, were acquired some time during the 1950's. Worn with these coats were tall rubber boots. This style of boot folded downwards towards the foot when not in use and were very similar in style to hip waders. Though the Department does still have some pairs of this style of boot in its possession, unfortunately none of these are in their original condition. Any exisiting pair has been modified for use with modern firefighter equipment.

The 1950's also brought helmets to replace the sou'westers which offered no protection against falling debris. The helmet pictured left is made from fibreglass and dates back to 1958. Though these helmets would provide better protection from falling debris, when members were summoned to incidents on the coldest of nights, this type of helmet provided little, if any, warmth as it did not have the liner like modern helmets do.

This style of equipment would be used through the 1960's and until the late 1970's when safety modifications were made to the equipment used by firefighters. Helmets, though changing slightly in appearance, remained essentially the same in style. However, there was one major change, that being the introduction of a protective face shield which was attached to the helmet. An example of this type of shield is pictured right. The shield was attached to the helmet by a spring stretching across the back of the crown and a lip securing the helmet to the front brim.

The coats, while remaining similar in apperance, were now made thicker to provide better protection against heat and flames and also included a reflective stripe which stretched across the chest, back, and upper arms. These coats also featured buckles which were more stronger than those on the old type of coat.

New Developments

While the above mentioned style of helmet would remain in use over the next few years, the long coats and high boots would be phased out. Beginning in the late 1980's, these would be replaced by shorter boots and a two piece suit which offered better protection and mobility for firefighters. These suits, which appear very similar to the style of today, had additional reflective striping and were now bright yellow to provide higher visibility to firefighters. Also, as time progressed, a more modern looking helmet was brought in which featured a face shield which was bolted to the sides.

A few years down the road, these suits would be replaced. Beginning in 1996, suits which featured several convenience features for firefighters were bought and gradually replaced the old suits. These features included a pocket for a portable radio located over the left breast, larger coat pockets, and cargo pockets on the trousers. These suits also featured new safety features including a flap over the coat's buckles, better reflective striping, and extensions at the end of the sleeve which the thumb hooked into and prevented the sleeve from being accidently pushed up, exposing the arm. In addition to this, the coat had a higher and more enclosed collar. This type of suit in still used by the majority of the members.

In late 2003, new gear would be acquired for a few members which had more older suits. These suits are very similar to the previously mentioned type, except, as you can see, the orange reflective striping was replaced with yellow.

Just as the equipment for the job changed, so did the job. The expanding role and complexity of the operations a fire department carries out has steadily increased. During 2004-2005, cold water rescue equipment was acquired for the Department which included cold water suits. These suits allow firefighters to be immersed in cold water for a period of time if the need to do so arises during a water rescue. The suit has attached boots and a hood and gloves tightly sealed at the cuffs all of which prevent water from entering inside the suit

As you can see the equipment used by firefighters in general, let alone our department, had drastically changed over the years. Our inventory has gone from from the most basic of things to the most modern of equipment that is available today in an effort to make sure we are able to do our best to protect those we serve.