Culver City firefighters will receive a donation of nearly $7,000 for protective gear.

Elkins Jones Insurance Agency and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company are teaming up to award a $6,996 grant to the Culver City Fire Department for new turnout gear to protect rescuers during emergencies.

Turnout gear, the protective, fire-resistant clothing that firefighters wear when responding to incidents like fires or major vehicle crashes, protects the body from exposure to chemicals, heat and flames. The National Fire Protection Association says the appropriate life-span for turnout gear is 10 years.

“Without updated turnout gear, our firefighters are not able to safely protect our community,” said Battalion Chief David White. “The nature of the job is dangerous to begin with, but having the proper equipment helps us eliminate some of the risk.”

The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and designed to provide equipment, training and educational tools to local fire departments.

With the donation, Culver City will purchase four new sets of turnout gear, each of which includes bunker pants, coats, hoods and boots. 

Fire officials, Culver City firefighters and representatives from Elkins Jones Insurance and Fireman’s Fund will publicly present the grant at Helms Bakery, 8800 Venice Blvd. at noon today.