In 2020, Fire and Rescue NSW approached Pac Fire on behalf of Firefighter Dixon after exhausting all traditional footwear options following an injury resulting in the fusion of the right first metatarsal.
Pac Fire’s premium footwear suppliers, Jolly produced around 15 pairs of “made to measure” firefighting boots annually at the time of Fire and Rescue NSW enquiry. After learning of his story, Jolly signalled their eagerness to take on the challenge of providing a highly protective structural firefighting boot that met Firefighter Dixons unique needs and would ultimately see him return to active service.
Firefighter Dixon’s finished footwear is based on Jolly’s popular “Fire Guard” design, a zip front, structural firefighting boot already a popular option supplied to several of the UK’s Fire & Rescue Services.
Upon receiving his boots, Firefighter Dixon was cautiously optimistic when his custom made orthotics fitted perfectly. He commented that the boots were surprisingly comfortable straight out of the box – all be it a little stiff. Aside from the fit, the feature Firefighter Dixon appreciated most was the ankle protection system providing additional support that almost felt like the boots made ascending stairs easier. He also noted how stable his foot felt in the boot, especially considering it was gripping him from the calf and ankle.
Upon passing his assessment and gaining clearance to return to active firefighting duty, Firefighter Dixon told Pac Fire that there were no words to express his emotions. He went on to tell has that returning to active service after traveling such a long road “meant the world to him”.
Jolly is currently producing another pair of “made to measure” footwear for Firefighter Dixon to ensure continuity of service well into the future.
Pac Fire would like to extend our thanks to Jolly for undertaking such an important project and congratulate Firefighter Dixon on returning to active service within Fire and Rescue NSW.
Read the full story in the July issue of Asia Pacific Fire magazine or explore the Jolly footwear range.
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Pac Fire in association with MSA Bristol is pleased to announce the award of the XFlex ensemble to the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) for the structural firefighters of ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTFR). 
Responder Wipes® are thick, durable and specifically formulated moistened wipes for use as a tool in on site decontamination procedures. They have been designed by Firefighters in the United States to meet the specific and unique needs of first responders globally.
Infused with Micellar Water, the wipes effectively clean dirt, oil, soot and other hydrocarbons from the skin. Micelles not only remove toxins and contaminants but also return much needed hydration to the skin, lost while working in hot and demanding conditions.
Fire & Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) members are one step closer to donning their new Bristol XFlex ensemble with the arrival of the first 8,000 garments to Pac Fire’s warehousing and distribution facility.
