KDPS Receives State Funding for Fire Gear Safety Equipment

Published on December 19, 2025

Figure 1 - Commissioner Chris Praedel, Vice Mayor Drew Duncan, Commissioner Jay Slaby, Chief David Boysen, Interim City Manager Patsy Moore, Mayor David Anderson, Senator Sean McCann, Representative Julie Rogers

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) and the City of Kalamazoo received state funding earlier this morning to purchase critical fire gear safety equipment aimed at reducing cancer risks among firefighters.

Michigan State Senator Sean McCann and State Representative Julie Rogers presented a check at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at KDPS Station 2. This funding will support the purchase of fire gear LDSI and a second set of turnout gear for KDPS public safety officers.

Remarks were provided by Interim City Manager Patsy Moore, Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson, KDPS Chief David Boysen, Sen. McCann and Rep. Rogers. Also in attendance were Vice Mayor Drew Duncan and City Commissioners Chris Praedel and Jay Slaby.

“This funding is critically important to the safety and long-term health of our officers,” Chief David Boysen said. “Firefighters face significantly higher cancer risks due to repeated exposure to toxic substances, and occupational cancer now accounts for the majority of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. Having a second set of turnout gear allows contaminated equipment to be properly cleaned while officers remain protected with clean gear ready to go. This is a game changer for KDPS and a meaningful step toward reducing those risks.”

Studies show firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to the general public. According to the International Association of Firefighters, nearly 60% of firefighter line-of-duty deaths in 2025 have been attributed to occupational cancer.

“For those of us at Kalamazoo Public Safety, these aren’t just statistics,” Boysen said. “We recently lost one of our own and have unfortunately watched others battle cancer after years of service. This investment helps ensure we are doing everything possible to protect the men and women who serve this community.”

“This year I was thrilled to work with my legislative colleagues in both chambers to ensure that the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety had access to funding to purchase new fire gear,” Senator McCann said. “It is crucial that our first responders have quality turnout gear to keep them safe while they’re busy keeping our community safe.”

“As a health care provider who has cared for first responders, I can confidently say that having a second set of turnout gear is critical to the health and safety of our men and women who put themselves in harm’s way every day to help fight fires in Kalamazoo,” Representative Rogers said. “I am grateful for this state funding to make that possible.”

“The Kalamazoo City Commission is committed to ensuring that the valued members of our Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety have the equipment they need to successfully perform their jobs while maintaining their safety,” Mayor David Anderson said.

Turnout gear costs approximately $3,300 per set, not including helmets, boots, gloves, hoods or breathing apparatus. The funding builds on recent city investments in station upgrades, contamination controls, gear cleaning equipment, exhaust systems and officer wellness initiatives.

“This support reflects a shared commitment to protecting those who protect our community,” Boysen said. “We are grateful for the advocacy and partnership that made this possible.”

By authority of: Public Information Officer Zach Hamelton