Camden Fire Department, organized in 1869, was the first career department in New Jersey and is among the oldest departments in the United States. Though rich with history, Camden Fire has always been on the forefront of fire innovation. Back in 1916, the department was the very first in the nation to own a fleet of fully-motorized fire apparatus in a day in age when most large cities were still operating on horseback.

With an important and challenging mission to “preserve and enhance the quality of life in the City of Camden through the effective prevention of fire and the efficient delivery of emergency services”, Chief Michael Harper finds it important to advocate for the welfare of his crew. So, when he learned of the growing concern for carcinogen exposure on the fireground, he knew he must act. In an effort to preserve his firefighters’ health, he helped the department implement a program that provides two sets of turnout gear to each firefighter.

As a longstanding customer of Fire-Dex, Chief Harper was confident in our ability to continue defending his crew. Using grant funding, Camden Fire Department purchased 180 sets of Fire-Dex FXR turnouts made with our TECGEN71 exclusive outer shell. In addition, the department purchased H41 Interceptor® Hoods with DuPont™ Nomex® Nano Flex and Dex-Pro Gloves.

TECGEN71 Flexibility and The Importance of Lighter, More Flexible Gear