Our department had recently switched to PBI Gold turnout gear. I had been using the gear for about eight months when the unthinkable happened. On August 14th, we responded to a fire call at a compression station of the local Gas Transmission Company. We arrived to find that lighting had apparently struck the plant, exposing two vent towers, which had been ignited by a second strike. Although this fire was impressive to look at, it was nothing that our small department could not handle. While pulling several sections of 2 1/2Ó hose to protect against exposure, a valve controlling three gas mains failed causing a massive explosion, destroying six homes, five gas company vehicles, one fire truck, and the chief’s Crown Victoria. The fire could be seen up to fifteen miles away. I am pleased to say that my PBI Gold turnout gear held up to the mark, considering that I was at ground zero when the blast occurred. A volunteer who was with me wasn’t as lucky, his gear failed and he had to endure a month in the burn unit along with several skin grafts. While I did have grafting surgery done on my hand due in part to my gloves failing, the areas protected by the PBI Gold gear were not as severe. I along with my family and co-workers thank you for making and marketing this fine garment.

Sincerely, Daniel Hunter, Taylor County Fire and Rescue