--- title: WKYC – How Fire-Dex in Medina is Making PPE to Keep Firefighters Safe description: WKYC recently stopped by headquarters to speak with our VP of Operations, John Karban, and Chief Lou Anne Metz of Bainbridge Township Fire! image: https://blog.firedex.com/hubfs/WKYC%20%E2%80%93%20How%20Fire-Dex%20in%20Medina%20is%20Making%20PPE%20to%20Keep%20Firefighters%20Safe%20%20(1).png --- - [ABOUT](https://www.firedex.com/about) - [About](https://www.firedex.com/about/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.firedex.com/about/meet-the-team) - [Employment](https://www.firedex.com/employment/) - [Now Hiring](https://www.firedex.com/employment/#hiringnow) - [Resources](https://www.firedex.com/education-resources/) - [Fire-Dex PPE Rentals](https://www.firedex.com/fire-dex-ppe-rentals/) - [NFPA Performance Requirements](https://www.firedex.com/education-resources/nfpa-performance-requirements/) - [Drag Rescue Device Installation Guide](https://www.firedex.com/drd-installment-guide/) - [Heat Stress E-Book](https://landingpage.firedex.com/ret-e-book) - [Blog](https://blog.firedex.com/blog) - [Shop Online](https://firedex.com/shop) - [My Account](https://firedex.com/my-account) - [View Orders](https://www.firedex.com/my-account/view-order/) - [Edit Account](https://www.firedex.com/my-account/edit-account/) - [Edit Address](https://www.firedex.com/my-account/edit-address/) - [Log Out](https://www.firedex.com/my-account/customer-logout/) [![FireDex Logo_Full Color_White_300](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Fire-Dex%20Logos/FireDex%20Logo_Full%20Color_White_300.png?width=264&height=58&name=FireDex%20Logo_Full%20Color_White_300.png) ](https://www.firedex.com/) - [PPE](https://www.firedex.com/products/) - [Turnouts](https://www.firedex.com/turnouts/) - [AeroFlex™ Turnouts](https://firedex.com/aeroflex) - [FXR Custom Turnouts](https://www.firedex.com/catalog/fxr-custom-turnouts/) - [FXM Turnouts](https://www.firedex.com/product/fxm-custom-turnouts/) - [Express Turnouts](https://www.firedex.com/express/) - [FXC Turnouts](https://www.firedex.com/catalog/fxc-economical-turnouts/) - [Proximity Turnouts](https://www.firedex.com/catalog/proximity-turnouts/) - [Find Your Fit](https://www.firedex.com/find-your-fit/) - [Turnout Material Selection Guide](https://www.firedex.com/materialselection/) - [Harnesses](https://www.firedex.com/harnesses/) - Materials - [TECGEN71® Outer Shell](https://www.firedex.com/product/tecgen71/) - [TECGEN51® Fabric](https://www.firedex.com/tecgen51-fabric/) - [Turnout Material Selection Guide](https://www.firedex.com/materialselection/) - [Non-Fluorinated Moisture Barriers](https://www.firedex.com/non-fluorinated-moisture-barriers/) - [Alternative PPE Material Selection Guide](https://www.firedex.com/alternative-ppe-material-selection/) - [Trim Selections](https://www.firedex.com/trim-selections/) - [Alternative PPE](https://www.firedex.com/alternative-ppe) - [TECGEN51 Multipurpose PPE](https://www.firedex.com/tecgen51) - [EMS Gear](https://www.firedex.com/products/ems) - [USAR Gear](https://www.firedex.com/products/usar) - [Wildland Tech Rescue Pants](https://www.firedex.com/catalog/wildland-tech-rescue/) - [Wildland](https://www.firedex.com/products/wildland) - [Firefighter Cover Pants](https://www.firedex.com/catalog/firefighter-cover-pants/) - [Alternative PPE Material Selection](https://www.firedex.com/alternative-ppe-material-selection/) - [PPE Packages](https://www.firedex.com/ppe-packages/) - [Accessories](http://firedex.com/accessories) - [Boots](https://www.firedex.com/boots/) - [Hoods](https://www.firedex.com/hoods/) - [Gloves](https://www.firedex.com/category/gloves/) - [Helmets](https://www.firedex.com/helmets/) - [Suspenders](https://www.firedex.com/catalog/fire-dex-suspenders/) - [Find Your Fit](https://www.firedex.com/find-your-fit/) - [Gear That Gets Her](https://www.firedex.com/gear-that-gets-her/) - [PPE Rentals](https://gearwash.com/ppe-rentals/) - [Clean & Repair](https://www.firedex.com/clean-repair-services/) - [Clean & Repair Services](https://www.firedex.com/clean-repair-services/) - [PPE Rentals](https://www.firedex.com/fire-dex-ppe-rentals/) - [Request a Quote](https://www.firedex.com/request-a-quote/) - [Request a Quote](https://www.firedex.com/request-a-quote/) - [Fire Department Procurement Contracts](https://www.firedex.com/fire-department-procurement-contracts/) [![Firedex](https://blog.firedex.com/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/firedex-logo-mobile.png)](https://www.firedex.com/) [![Logo Image](https://blog.firedex.com/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/firedex-logo-mobile-1.png)](https://www.firedex.com/)   × [![Firedex](https://blog.firedex.com/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/firedex-logo-mobile.png)](https://www.firedex.com/) - [Request a Quote](https://www.firedex.com/find-a-distributor/) - [Procurement Contracts](https://www.firedex.com/fire-department-procurement-contracts/) - [Shop Now](http://firedex.com/shop) - [Now Hiring](https://www.firedex.com/employment/#hiringnow) - Products - [AeroFlex™ Turnouts](https://firedex.com/aeroflex) - [TECGEN71](https://www.firedex.com/product/tecgen71/) - [Turnouts](https://www.firedex.com/turnouts/) - [TECGEN51+ Fabric](https://www.firedex.com/tecgen51-fabric/) - [Alternative PPE](https://www.firedex.com/alternative-ppe) - [PPE Packages](https://firedex.com/ppe-packages) - [Boots](https://www.firedex.com/boots/) - [Gloves](https://www.firedex.com/products/gloves/) - [Hoods](https://www.firedex.com/hoods/) - [Helmets](https://www.firedex.com/helmets/) - [Suspenders](https://www.firedex.com/catalog/fire-dex-suspenders/) - [Egress Bailout Systems](https://www.firedex.com/egress-bailout-systems/) - [Laundry Solutions & Disinfectants](https://www.firedex.com/laundry-solutions-disinfectants/) - [About Fire-Dex](https://www.firedex.com/about) - [Employment](https://www.firedex.com/employment/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.firedex.com/about/) - [Blog](https://www.firedex.com/blog/) [Cart](https://www.firedex.com/cart/) # Fire-Dex Blog [![](https://blog.firedex.com/hubfs/WKYC%20%E2%80%93%20How%20Fire-Dex%20in%20Medina%20is%20Making%20PPE%20to%20Keep%20Firefighters%20Safe%20%20(1).png)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/wkyc-how-fire-dex-in-medina-is-making-ppe-to-keep-firefighters-safe) # WKYC – How Fire-Dex in Medina is Making PPE to Keep Firefighters Safe [May](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2021/05/) [19](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2021/05/19/), [2021](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2021/) WKYC reporter, Chris Webb, recently stopped by headquarters to speak with our VP of Operations, John Karban, and Chief Lou Anne Metz of [Bainbridge Township Fire](http://www.bainbridgetwp.com/Departments/Fire), about the importance of wearing lighter, more breathable PPE to reduce heat stress and provide protection against carcinogens for firefighters across the country. 🔥 [Get an inside look into Fire-Dex](https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/fire-dex-medina-ppe-for-firefighters/95-c74a7159-2801-4e31-967b-44ac467c3389) Who helps those who save us? [Fire-Dex](https://www.firedex.com/) may be a good answer to that question.  The Ohio-based company provides gear for one of the most important jobs in the world - fighting fires. "We make clothing that a firefighter wears into a fire. From head to toe, the products that we offer whether it's lighter weight gear to protect them from heat stress or special [particulate blocking layers](https://www.firedex.com/catalog/h41-interceptor-nnf/) in our ear that protects them from carcinogens," said Fire-Dex VP of Operations John Karban. "Firefighters have a very difficult job. We can thank them for their service protecting us and at Fire-Dex our job is to protect them as well." It's a job that, in recent years, has gotten more difficult to fill positions, says Bainbridge Township Fire Chief Lou Ann Metz.  "I have 38 years in the fire service and I've been the chief here four years," she said. "In today's world, people are making a choice, do I want to take on that risk; cancer, the heart attacks, the danger of firefighting, the unpredictability of it. And with your gear, you need to know that that gear is going to perform." Bainbridge is just one of the many departments across the country that have opted to start using Fire-Dex gear - manufactured right in [Medina](https://medinaoh.org/).  "We're a family-owned business. If you go to a fire department, it's a big family environment, and that sort of likens to the culture that we have here," Karban said.  Metz says the atmosphere in her firehouse is also one of family. "We live a third of our lives with each other. We run three shifts - they work 24 hours on and then they're off 48 \[hours\], and so during that 24-hour shift, you're living together just like a family would. We have many of the same dynamics that families have." And the Fire-Dex family is growing at a steady rate. They are currently seeking new trainees at their international headquarters right here in Northeast Ohio. "We don't necessarily hire sewers to make this gear, we hire good employees and we'll train them on, on how to sew and how to manufacture the garments that help firefighters." Metz says she's confident her staff have the gear they need to do their job safely.  "It's worth every penny, you know. How do you put a price on safety?" ##### Do purposeful work by joining our Fire-Dex Family!  Whether you're looking for a stable career in a fun environment or a way to give back to your community, click the button below to explore our current job opportunities! 👇   [![JOIN OUR AWARD-WINNING TEAM](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4744594/f4f2dc92-943e-4252-acdf-61f13645960b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4744594/f4f2dc92-943e-4252-acdf-61f13645960b) Categorized: [Firefighting History and Culture](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/firefighting-history-and-culture) [Previous](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/rapid-fire-podcast-a-proactive-approach-to-firefighter-health-and-survival) [Next](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/fire-dex-announces-executive-leadership-changes) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.firedex.com%2Fblog%2Fwkyc-how-fire-dex-in-medina-is-making-ppe-to-keep-firefighters-safe%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.firedex.com%2Fblog%2Fwkyc-how-fire-dex-in-medina-is-making-ppe-to-keep-firefighters-safe%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.firedex.com%2Fblog%2Fwkyc-how-fire-dex-in-medina-is-making-ppe-to-keep-firefighters-safe%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.firedex.com%2Fblog%2Fwkyc-how-fire-dex-in-medina-is-making-ppe-to-keep-firefighters-safe%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Leave a Reply ### Recent Posts ### CATEGORIES - [Firefighting History and Culture (259)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/firefighting-history-and-culture) - [PPE Performance & Safety (54)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/ppe-performance-safety) - [Gear Innovation & Design (51)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/gear-innovation-design) - [Firefighter Health, Wellness, & Safety (49)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/firefighter-health-wellness-safety) - [Rapid Fire Podcast (19)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/rapid-fire-podcast) - [Real-World Gear Performance (19)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/real-world-gear-performance) - [PPE Purchasing Guides (9)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/ppe-purchasing-guides) - [FXR Turnout Gear (2)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/fxr-turnout-gear) - [Firefighter Health and Safety (2)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/firefighter-health-and-safety) - [AeroFlex™ (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/aeroflex) - [Camden Fire Department (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/camden-fire-department) - [Dex-Pro Gloves (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/dex-pro-gloves) - [Fire-Dex Employees (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/fire-dex-employees) - [Firefighting (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/firefighting) - [H41 Interceptor (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/h41-interceptor) - [Heat Stress and Cardiac Strain (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/heat-stress-and-cardiac-strain) - [Interceptor Package (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/interceptor-package) - [Jamie Marks (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/jamie-marks) - [Meet the #firedexfamily (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/meet-the-firedexfamily) - [Research and Development (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/research-and-development) - [TECGEN51 Fatigues (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/tecgen51-fatigues) - [TECGEN71 (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/tecgen71) - [Taylor Burke (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/taylor-burke) - [Testimonial (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/testimonial) - [virtual sizer (1)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/virtual-sizer) See all ### SIGN UP FOR FIRE-DEX NEWS & UPDATES ##### [780 South Progress Drive, Medina, OH 44256](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Fire-Dex/@41.1435032,-81.8816491,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xe93a41de6cf03926?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjEyoWC2pnZAhXEdN8KHa2XAY8Q_BIIiwEwCw) [Cart](https://www.firedex.com/cart/) - [Find a Distributor](https://www.firedex.com/find-a-distributor/) - [Product Warranty Guide](https://www.firedex.com/education-resources/product-warranty-guide/) - [FEMSA User Guides](https://www.firedex.com/education-resources/uig/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.firedex.com/privacy-policy) - [Terms of Use](https://www.firedex.com/terms-of-use) - [Sitemap](https://www.firedex.com/sitemap/) - [Gear Tracker](https://geartracker.firedex.com/login) - [Distributor Extranet](https://www.firedex.com/distributor-extranet/) - [Employee Updates](https://www.firedex.com/about/employeeupdates/) - [FireWriter2](https://firewriter.firedex.com/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fFirewriter.Admin%2f) - [FAQs](https://www.firedex.com/education-resources/faqs/) - [Contact Us](https://www.firedex.com/contact/) - [Now Hiring](https://www.firedex.com/employment/#hiringnow) ![NVFC-Proud-Supporter-White-480x192](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NVFC-Proud-Supporter-White-480x192.png?width=200&height=80&name=NVFC-Proud-Supporter-White-480x192.png "NVFC-Proud-Supporter-White-480x192") ![BBB Logo 80852397](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BBB%20Logo%2080852397.png?width=200&height=65&name=BBB%20Logo%2080852397.png "BBB Logo 80852397") ![en](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/en-us.png?width=24&height=24&name=en-us.png) English▼ X ![ar](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/ar.png?width=24&height=24&name=ar.png) Arabic![zh-CN](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/zh-CN.png?width=24&height=24&name=zh-CN.png) Chinese (Simplified)![nl](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/nl.png?width=24&height=24&name=nl.png) Dutch![en](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/en-us.png?width=24&height=24&name=en-us.png) English![fr](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/fr.png?width=24&height=24&name=fr.png) French![de](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/de.png?width=24&height=24&name=de.png) German![it](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/it.png?width=24&height=24&name=it.png) Italian![pt](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/pt.png?width=24&height=24&name=pt.png) Portuguese![ru](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/ru.png?width=24&height=24&name=ru.png) Russian![es](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/es-mx.png?width=24&height=24&name=es-mx.png) Spanish ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Fire-Dex", "url" : "https://blog.firedex.com/blog/author/fire-dex" }, "dateModified" : "2025-07-01T16:11:49.969Z", "datePublished" : "2021-05-19T14:54:44.000Z", "headline" : "WKYC – How Fire-Dex in Medina is Making PPE to Keep Firefighters Safe", "image" : [ "https://blog.firedex.com/hubfs/WKYC%20%E2%80%93%20How%20Fire-Dex%20in%20Medina%20is%20Making%20PPE%20to%20Keep%20Firefighters%20Safe%20%20(1).png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.firedex.com/blog/wkyc-how-fire-dex-in-medina-is-making-ppe-to-keep-firefighters-safe", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.firedex.com/hubfs/FireDex%20Logo_Full%20Color_Black_72.png" }, "name" : "Fire-Dex" } } ```