Quincy Fire Department Completes Non PFAS Turnout Gear Replacement

City invests $2.65 million after original gear tested positive for PFAS

QUINCY, Mass., July 21, 2026 — The Quincy Fire Department has completed its transition to non-PFAS turnout gear, nearly one year after independent testing detected PFAS in equipment the city had previously purchased and believed to be PFAS-free. The City of Quincy invested approximately $2.65 million to replace the department’s turnout gear.

The department worked with textile innovator Milliken & Company and gear manufacturer Fire-Dex to fulfill the order. Every Quincy firefighter will receive two sets of the new equipment, allowing members to rotate gear following emergency responses, cleaning, and decontamination.

The delivery marks the culmination of a three-year journey that began when Quincy started purchasing gear marketed as PFAS-free in 2019. After testing requested by Quincy Firefighters IAFF Local 792 detected PFAS in that equipment in August 2025, firefighters, department leaders and city officials worked to identify, fund and procure a replacement.

In March 2026, the City of Quincy approved funding for new turnout gear. A $2,646,730 appropriation for the purchase was publicly posted the following month.

“This delivery represents meaningful progress for firefighters across the U.S., with Quincy’s experience showing exactly why accountability throughout the PPE supply chain is essential. Milliken was the first and only supplier willing to go above and beyond to make sure we were informed and comfortable with what we were purchasing,” said Tom Bowes, president of Quincy Firefighters Association Local 792.

The gear transition comes as Massachusetts prepares to prohibit the sale or distribution of firefighter personal protective equipment containing intentionally added PFAS beginning January 1, 2027. Chapter 182 of the Acts of 2024 also established PFAS disclosure requirements for firefighter protective equipment, which took effect January 1, 2025.

“Firefighters already face risks that are inherent to the job,” said Quincy Fire Chief Gary Smyth. “When concerns arise about a risk that may be reduced, we have a responsibility to investigate and act. The result is equipment that meets our operational requirements and gives our members greater confidence in what they are wearing.”

The new turnout gear was designed and manufactured by Fire-Dex using three layers of fabric developed and manufactured by Milliken without the use of PFAS chemistry. Throughout the evaluation and procurement process, Fire-Dex worked closely with Quincy Fire Department, Industrial Protection Services and city stakeholders to identify material combinations that met the department’s operational needs and performance standards. The company coordinated wear trials, provided test gear for evaluation, assisted throughout the testing process, and supported the department as it navigated the selection and purchasing process.

While non-fluorinated options have previously been available for outer shells and thermal liners, the moisture barrier historically presented a significant technical challenge. Introduced in October 2024, Milliken Assure™ is the nation’s first non-PFAS, non-halogenated, flame-resistant moisture barrier developed for firefighter turnout gear and became the technical unlock necessary for Quincy to complete its transition.

Milliken also voluntarily commissioned independent laboratory testing of the fabrics used across all three turnout gear layers in the Quincy FD gear: TECGEN71™, an exclusive Fire-Dex outer shell, Milliken Assure™ moisture barrier and Milliken CoreCXP™ thermal liner. Forever Analytical screened the textile samples for total fluorine as an indicator of PFAS. The analysis found no detectable fluorine in the samples tested.

“Fire fighters across North America need turnout gear that protects us from the dangers of the job without exposing us to new ones. Quincy’s experience shows why manufacturers’ assurances are not enough. The entire PPE industry must be transparent about what is in its products and be prepared to prove it. The safety of our communities – and our fire fighters – depends on it,” said Edward Kelly, general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters.

In May 2026, Milliken became the first fabric manufacturer to adopt the IAFF’s PPE Code of Conduct, committing to greater transparency regarding the chemicals and materials used in firefighter protective equipment.

“Quincy’s experience demonstrates why credible information and independent data are so important to fire departments evaluating their equipment,” said Marcio Manique, executive vice president and managing director of Milliken’s apparel business. “We voluntarily commissioned third-party testing to give firefighters, safety committees and procurement leaders additional information about the materials they are considering. Trust has to be supported by transparency.”

The gear was formally unveiled during a July 21 press conference at Quincy’s Central Fire Station. Representatives from the Quincy Fire Department, City of Quincy, IAFF, Quincy Firefighters Local 792, Milliken, Fire-Dex and Industrial Protection Services participated in the event.

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, and LinkedIn.

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.