Tag: Made to Measure

Correctly fitting PPE is an essential component in ensuring firefighters experience optimum protection, mobility and comfort. A challenging prospect when injury is involved. Pac Fire strives to deliver PPE that provides the best possible fit to Australasian firefighters. To achieve this, Pac Fire actively seeks out like minded partners, such as Jolly Scarpe who’s status as a leading firefighting footwear supplier and agile manufacturing processes allow them to produce “made to measure” solutions.

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”.

Jeremy Dawkins, Northern European and Australasian Sales Agent for Jolly Scarpe was heavily involved in Firefighter Dixon’s footwear project, describing it as “very challenging, but ultimately, very rewarding”. Mr Dawkins went onto commend Firefighter Dixon’s commitment to returning to active service to protect the community. He also complemented Fire and Rescue NSW on taking the obligation to support a fully inclusive and diverse workforce extremely seriously. A commitment not seen in other parts of the world.
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.

Head over to our Facebook page and hit the “Like” button for our news to show up in your daily feed. Facebook not your thing? Subscribe to Newsflash the Pac Fire monthly newsletter here.