Seattle — Can you really get used turnout gear back to brand-new states? That’s the ultimate mission of Tersus Solutions, a Denver-based brand that uses carbon dioxide (CO2)-based waterless cleaning technology to eliminate toxins from firefighters’ go-to gear.
Tersus held a three-day event in Seattle last week to showcase its RedZone Liquid CO2 cleaning system in action for the first time. The event included chiefs, safety officers and lawmakers who have supported Tersus’ efforts to bring its cleaning technology to the Pacific Northwest.
Fire department representatives shared their insights with invited guests via open-source coding so that other communities can mimic this approach if they also want to bring this tool to their region.
“Dirty gear is dangerous gear,” said John Gallup, division chief of health and safety for the Puget Sound Fire Department. “This is the most innovative development in the fire service industry in the last 35 years.”
Puget Sound Battalion Chief Joshua Kelch echoed Gallup’s sentiments: “This is a transformative step forward. It means cleaner gear, fewer toxins, and longer, healthier lives for the men and women on the front lines. And it’s only possible because of the vision, persistence, and courage of people who believed in this mission long before it was popular, or even accepted.”
Kindra Foley, sales and marketing director for Fire and PPE at Tersus Solutions underscored that firefighters all over the Pacific Northwest now have access to its cleaning capabilities: “We’re proud to partner with LION TotalCare, an independent service provider that has been a trusted resource for fire departments across the Pacific Northwest. Together, we share a commitment to supporting firefighters with the highest standard of care for their PPE. By having a Tersus CO₂ machine right in their facility, departments can easily get routine cleanings after any IDLH exposure —or specialized decontamination when they run into things like lithium-ion. This partnership ensures gear is not only cleaned thoroughly but also preserved for a longer service life. Firefighters put everything on the line, and they deserve the best care for the PPE that protects them.”
Tersus is also a player in the recommerce market for brands like TNF, Arc’teryx, Faherty, lululemon and New Balance.
