Horry County Firefighters Receive First Delivery of Non PFAS Turnout Gear

The department becomes the first in South Carolina to adopt turnout gear with non-fluorinated chemicals

HORRY COUNTY, SC (Aug. 19, 2025) - Horry County Fire Rescue has become the first in South Carolina to purchase and use non-PFAS turnout gear—an industry milestone achieved through a collaborative partnership with protective gear manufacturer Fire-Dex and textile innovator Milliken & Company.

Horry County Fire Rescue chose Milliken Assure™—North America’s first non-PFAS, non-halogenated flame-resistant moisture barrier for their Fire-Dex gear. The initial delivery of 80 turnout sets arrived at the end of June, marking the beginning of their transition. With a commitment to health and safety, Horry County is working toward outfitting all 700 personnel with a fully non-PFAS solution.

“Our new turnout gear is a game-changer for our department. Every firefighter is a neighbor, a friend, or family—and their health matters,” says Assistant Chief Loeper. “Knowing that we are transitioning them to non-PFAS gear without compromising durability and high performance, gives me real peace of mind. It’s one more way we’re making sure everyone goes home safe.”

The transition marks the culmination of a co-led effort that began in 2021 with non-PFAS outer shells and thermal liners. And now, the addition of a high-performance non-PFAS moisture barrier results in a complete turnout gear solution that does not rely on fluorinated chemistry across any of its three protective layers.

“This delivery is especially exciting because these firefighters serve our home state of South Carolina,” said Marcio Manique, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Milliken’s Apparel Business at Milliken & Company. “In partnership with the team at Fire-Dex, we’re proud to equip these brave men and women with the best materials available to firefighters in the U.S.”

While non-fluorinated fabrics have existed for outer shells and thermal liners, the moisture barrier has historically relied on fluorochemicals for repellency and pathogen resistance. The introduction of Assure™ in October 2024 made it possible for departments nationwide to purchase gear where all three layers meet performance expectations without the use of PFAS chemistry. The gear went through rigorous performance and safety testing and is UL certified and meets the NFPA 1971-2018 standard.

Fire-Dex has worked with fire service leaders in Horry County for four years, growing into a trusted partnership rooted in respect and responsiveness to support firefighter safety. Strengthening the value chain, Milliken and Fire-Dex have maintained a decade of strategic collaboration that delivers innovation and advancement through U.S. research and manufacturing.

Horry County encompasses 1,255 square miles, including the City of Myrtle Beach, one of America’s largest tourist destinations. There are 40 Horry County Fire Rescue Stations, and in 2024, firefighters responded to 83,208 emergencies.

About Milliken

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Fire-Dex

Fire-Dex is a family-owned, global leader in innovative PPE solutions for first responders and the fastest-growing manufacturer in the industry. Committed to the mission to “Serve Those Who Serve,” Fire-Dex has spent over 40 years focused on the head-to-toe protection of firefighters, offering turnout gear, gloves, boots, alternative PPE and more. Along with its sister company Gear Wash, which specializes in PPE care and maintenance, Fire-Dex provides trusted expertise to support the full lifecycle of protective gear. With a legacy of inventive thinking and state-of-the-art manufacturing, Fire-Dex continues to set new standards in safety, durability and innovation for first responders around the world. To learn more, visit www.firedex.com.