Fire-Dex, Inc. - Experts & Thought Leaders

Fire-Dex, a globally renowned company in PPE for first responders, understands that performance, safety and comfort all start with gear that fits correctly. That's why the company is excited to launch the Virtual Sizer, a first-of-its-kind tool for the fire services that revolutionizes how firefighters get measured for their turnout gear.  Fire-Dex’s Virtual Sizer The Virtual Sizer brings science to sizing using AI-driven algorithms and simple questions Fire-Dex’s Virtual Sizer saves time and ensures firefighters receive gear tailored precisely to their measurements, minimizing safety risks from improper fit, such as exposed skin or restricted movement.  The Virtual Sizer brings science to sizing using AI-driven algorithms and simple questions (like height, weight, and shoe size) to accurately capture measurements in minutes without ever pulling out a tape measure.  Data-driven precision "We’ve already seen more than 6,500 entries," said Todd Herring, VP of Product Innovation and Strategy at Fire-Dex, adding “The response has been incredible. Firefighters are getting gear that fits better, faster." He continues, "We've actually been testing and refining this technology internally for over five years to ensure accuracy before making it widely available. The human touch still matters, but the Virtual Sizer can back it up with data-driven precision to help nail the fit every time."  No Sizing Gear or Measuring Tapes  The formal sizing process involves variations and inconsistencies due to contrasts in judgment The Virtual Sizer has already demonstrated its effectiveness in real-world use. Tested by firefighters from departments across the country, it consistently delivers results comparable to traditional sizing methods.  But the goal isn’t just to match human accuracy — it’s to improve upon it. The traditional sizing process inherently involves variations and inconsistencies due to differences in judgment, measurement techniques, and human error. The Virtual Sizer was designed to eliminate those inconsistencies, which leads to better fitting PPE.  Firefighter-specific data "The technology is backed by over 150 million AI-generated digital twins and validated through extensive firefighter-specific data," said Todd Herring. He adds, "It’s precise, tested and constantly improving with every use — meaning the more firefighters use it, the smarter and more accurate it becomes."  Sizing in Memphis For the City of Memphis Fire Department, the Virtual Sizer proved to be a game-changer for onboarding new recruits, and particularly those coming from out of town. “One of our biggest challenges has been sizing firefighters from out of town, from areas where we’ve built strong recruiting partnerships,” said Keith James, Division Chief of Logistical Services, adding “It can be difficult for them to fly or drive in just for processing and fittings, especially when we’re trying to get gear ordered quickly so it arrives during class.” Virtual Sizer remote recruits Virtual Sizer is a key that saves time, cuts costs, and improves the unit's ability to recruit from the tool The department began using the Virtual Sizer specifically for these remote recruits, enabling accurate sizing without the usual time, travel, and logistical hurdles. As James shared, the experience exceeded expectations. “We tested it first with a few people locally and found the output matched our sizing. That gave us the comfort level to roll it out further,” he explained while noting how the tool was ultimately used to size 25-30 out-of-state recruits. “Everything turned out well, and we didn’t need to rework or resize anything. It was very easy to implement.” How Fire-Dex to innovate and apply new technologies For Memphis Fire, the Virtual Sizer is a solution that saves time, cuts costs, and enhances the department’s ability to recruit from a wider geographic pool. “Our AI tool streamlines ordering, but the real winners here are the firefighters,” said Todd Herring, adding “The process is faster, but more importantly, emergency responders end up with gear that fits well and lets them focus on the job. It’s another example of how Fire-Dex continues to innovate and apply new technologies to serving those who serve.” 

Fire-Dex, the nation’s fastest-growing manufacturer of PPE for first responders, and  Gear Wash, a subsidiary of Fire-Dex and the country’s largest Independent Service Provider (ISP) of PPE care and maintenance, have filled one position and promoted three associates over the last quarter. At Fire-Dex, Molly Moneypenny was hired as a Quality and Compliance Manager and Wyatt Eckroth was promoted to CAD Associate, while over on the Gear Wash side, Yunia Barbeira Rodriguez and Trevor Gordon were each promoted to Assistant Operations Supervisor. Multiple positions “Fire-Dex and Gear Wash continue a tradition of hiring excellence,” says Jamie Marks, Director of Human Resources, adding “We’re incredibly proud of our culture here, especially when we get to promote from within and recognize the great work our associates do every day.”  Fire-Dex and Gear Wash are currently hiring multiple positions across several locations, including remote opportunities.

Fire-Dex, the nation’s fastest-growing manufacturer of PPE for first responders, and Gear Wash, a subsidiary of Fire-Dex and the country’s largest Independent Service Provider (ISP) of PPE care and maintenance, have filled three positions and promoted two associates over the last quarter.  Two Production Supervisors, Chad Williams and Amy Dodge, have recently been onboarded at the Fire-Dex Pelham location. Also joining the Fire-Dex team is Territory Sales Representative Jason Whidby.  Fire-Dex and Gear Wash This quarter also saw employee transitions. Fire-Dex team member Becca Ollin transitioned into a new role as Technical Service Supervisor and Gear Wash Associate - Alyssa Vote was promoted to Assistant Operations Manager.  "Fire-Dex and Gear Wash are committed to hiring top talent and recognizing our team members’ valuable contributions," says Darin Siley, Vice President of Human Resources, adding "We’re incredibly proud of our new and promoted team member. We’re doing great things at Fire-Dex and Gear Wash and our team is vital to everything we do.” Fire-Dex and Gear Wash are currently hiring multiple positions across several locations, including remote opportunities.

For firefighters, sleep is a valuable commodity. But duty often calls no matter what the clock says.   Sleep deprivation Indeed, sleep deprivation is a common challenge for firefighters everywhere. The job often demands long shifts peppered with irregular and unpredictable sleep patterns, not to mention the incredible stress that can be inherent to the profession or the physical demands of a long career in fire service.   Prioritizing good sleep habits Sleep is the body's natural way of repairing and recovering from the physical and mental demands of the job. It's during rest that your bodies heal and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. It's during rest that your bodies heal and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead But did you know that sleep deprivation is linked to several negative health outcomes, including poor heart health? For the firefighting community nationwide, it’s worth investigating these links, prioritizing good sleep habits and how to put them into practice. Let’s explore. Why Sleep and Heart Health Are Linked​ A recent nationwide survey found that 37% of firefighters were at high risk for sleep disorders. These firefighters had a significantly higher risk of motor vehicle crashes, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health issues. Meanwhile, according to the National Fire Protection Association, cardiac events which include those occurring within 24 hours of nonroutine strenuous or stressful physical activity while on duty remain one of the leading causes of death among firefighters.  Problems with sleep deficiency According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most adults need seven hours of sleep each night but 1 in 3 adults say they don’t get the recommended amount. Getting enough hours of sleep ensures that you can function at peak performance While short-term sleep deprivation might seem manageable, prolonged sleep deficiency can lead to serious health problems and exacerbate existing conditions. Getting enough hours of sleep ensures that you can function at peak performance. Negative outcomes Negative heart-related outcomes that can be associated with poor sleep include:  High Blood Pressure: Sleep problems can keep blood pressure elevated for longer periods, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.  Type 2 Diabetes: Inadequate sleep can affect blood sugar control and increase the risk of developing diabetes, which can further harm blood vessels.  Obesity: Lack of sleep can lead to unhealthy weight gain, particularly among children and adolescents, and may influence hunger control.   For these reasons, getting a good night’s sleep should not be viewed as a luxury. It's a necessity. And just as firefighters equip themselves with the right gear to safely put out fires, you should also equip yourself with the knowledge and habits necessary to protect your heart.   How to Improve Your Sleep Habits​ Though the duties of firefighting will inevitably call, that doesn’t mean first responders can’t apply good sleep habits when possible. Here are a few tips you can use:  Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet for better sleep quality.  Limit Exposure to Blue Light at Bedtime. Blue light emanates from electronic devices like your smartphone. Consider putting your phone down or using blue light filters on your devices at night.   Prioritize Relaxation. Relaxation promotes long-term health and wellness. Breathing exercises and progressive muscular relaxation can trigger the response, helping you switch gears and fall asleep more easily.  Stick to a Regular Sleep Schedule. This is a tough one for firefighters, but going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, can help regulate your body's internal clock and promote better sleep. Apply this tip when possible.  Watch Your Diet. During long shifts, pack yourself healthy snacks or meals, but avoid eating or drinking within a few hours of bedtime, especially alcohol and fatty or sugary foods.  Get Natural Light. Exposure to natural light can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle.   Engage Regularly in Physical Activity. Regular exercise, particularly early in the day, can improve sleep quality.   Applying these tips may help you attain better sleep and thus mitigate some risks toward serious health conditions in the future. For firefighters, sleep is worth taking seriously. It’s an important part of maintaining effective service for your community.  

Trends in garments and protective gear for firefighters are evolving to address the changing needs of the fire service. Garments worn by firefighters must be comfortable and allow an adequate range of motion. They must protect first responders from hazards such as heat and exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Fire service clothing must be durable to withstand long-term usage in hostile environments. “It’s personal for everyone in the industry,” says Oliver Spoecker, Director, Workwear & Protective Wear and Global Commercial Director for Lenzing. “Firefighters have to be kept safe by the best all-around protective fabrics.” He says fibers must be comfortable, breathable and safe.” Fire-Resistant qualities Flame resistance is a fundamental property for fibers in the fire service. Lenzing FR (Flame Resistant) Fibers are sustainably produced on three continents by the multi-billion-dollar company. The cellulosic fibers come from wood and then are made inherently flame retardant by introducing a pigment into the carbon matrix that provides fire-resistant qualities. Another concern in the fire service is stress from excess body heat caused by exertion The flame resistance is an integral part of the fiber and therefore cannot be washed out or worn out over time; the fire resistance endures as long as the garment. Another concern in the fire service is stress from excess body heat caused by exertion, and FR fibers are breathable to address the issue. Because the fiber comes from natural substances, there are no dangers of exposure to skin. Fire service market Lenzing fibers are familiar to ex-soldiers who later become firefighters. The uniforms of U.S. soldiers in Iran and Afghanistan contained Lenzing fibers. In fact, the breakthrough in military applications gave the company a push to enter the fire service market in 2007. DuPont produces Nomex Xtreme Performance fibers that provide protection, thermal performance and toughness for firefighters. They contain the heat and flame protection of DuPont Nomex with the lightweight strength of DuPont Kevlar, and the thermal damage tolerance and durability of high-performance materials such as PBO, Nomex Nano, and Nomex Nano Flex. Nomex fibers are incorporated into garments by manufacturers such as Fire-Dex, Globe Manufacturing, Lion, Veridian, and Viking. Comfort and flexibility are guiding the development of newer garments. Lighter-Weight jackets A triple-certified garment addresses the budget restraints of many departments For example, 5.11 Tactical has introduced lighter-weight jackets, outerwear, and a duty uniform that combine an ‘old-school’ aesthetic with better comfort and a better range of motion. Flexible fabrics, including a polyester-cotton blend, and adjusted fit are elements in the new line. Viking has introduced the new Viking Shield clothing line that meets the requirements of three different applications: technical rescue and extrication (NFPA 1951), emergency medical services (NFPA 1999), and wildland firefighting (NFPA 1977). A triple-certified garment addresses the budget restraints of many departments. The approach is cost-effective and cost-efficient, says Grant Grinstead, Viking’s Fire Segment Sales Manager for North America. Providing structural protection A surprising element is how lightweight the garment is. “A lot of firefighters are shocked because they didn’t know there was a product like this,” says Grinstead. “The big thing is the light weight and the feel of it, and it is made in tailored sizes.” Viking has provided structural protection (turnout gear) to firefighters for two decades. Introduction of the new Shield product can help reserve a company’s turnout gear for the 30 to 40% of calls that require it. For the other 60 to 70% of calls, the new multi-use, lightweight garments can provide more comfort for firefighters.