Union County Fire Department Completes $1.17 Million SCBA Upgrade

(File Photo)

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — Union County firefighters are now better protected in the most dangerous conditions they face after the department completed a major upgrade to its Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) fleet.

The department purchased 120 new MSA SCBAs in late 2025 at a cost of approximately $1,171,000. The project was funded through SPLOST. After setup and training, the new units were placed on every fire apparatus across the county’s 13 stations.

Firefighters routinely work in burning buildings, vehicle fires, low-oxygen atmospheres, and hazardous materials incidents. Those scenes bring flames, extreme heat, heavy smoke, and toxic gases. Turnout gear and SCBAs form the core of their personal protective equipment. The SCBA supplies breathable air and respiratory protection so firefighters can extinguish fires, rescue occupants, or contain hazardous chemicals.

The equipment is also required for apparatus certification under Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training and to maintain the county’s ISO rating. Units must remain compliant, operational, and in good condition.

The new MSA packs add safety features, allow quicker cylinder exchanges, and use an improved mask and harness. Department officials say the result is equipment that is more maneuverable, comfortable, and effective, increasing firefighter safety and the department’s ability to fight fires and perform rescues.

The upgrade was necessary. The previous SCBAs, packs, and regulators were worn, no longer met current NFPA standards, and needed frequent repairs. Air cylinders (one on each pack plus a spare) were approaching their 15-year service life. The manufacturer had stopped producing the old model and planned to end parts and service support.

Union County Fire Department thanked Sole Commissioner Harold Collins, county staff, and everyone involved in the project. Officials also expressed gratitude to Union County residents whose support of SPLOST made the purchase possible.