What can GCS do for you?

GCS is a full service ISP (Independent Service Provider) owned and operated by firefighters. GCS can help any size fire department develop and implement an NFPA 1851 compliant, selection, care and maintenance program. Our state of the art facility has experienced, knowledgeable staff that can help you and your department create a custom care and maintenance program to suit your needs taking care of your gear from cradle to grave.

 

Some of the services provided at GCS

 

Advanced Cleaning

Advanced cleaning must be performed by a verified ISP or trained personnel of the organization. The training of an organizations personnel shall be performed by the garment manufacturer or a verified ISP recognized by each garment manufacturer which training is being provided. Advanced cleaning of ensembles are required every 12 months according to the 2008 NFPA 1851 standard. Advanced cleaning shall also be done when routine cleaning fails to render the ensemble or ensemble elements sufficiently clean for service.  GCS is recognized by most manufacturers for advanced cleaning of structural and proximity firefighting garments.

 

                              

                          Before                                                        After

 

Advanced Inspections

The standard calls for advanced inspections of elements at least once a year. The inspections needs to be conducted by a person within the organization who is trained by the manufacturer or a verified ISP who is recognized by the manufacturer of the garment to be inspected. The findings of the advanced inspections need to be documented and records kept until the garment is retired. GCS is recognized by most manufacturers for providing advanced inspections on structural firefighting and proximity firefighting garments.

 

Repairs Using OEM-Approved Methods

Repairs should be performed by the manufacturer, a manufacturer trained
representative of the department (for basic repairs), or by a verified ISP. All repairs and alterations to garments need to be performed with the manufacturer's approved methods, meet manufacturer's specifications, and use the same materials as the manufacturer. GCS is a third party verified company, tested by ETL/Intertek Laboratories for performing advanced repairs on firefighter garments.  Our repair methods have been evaluated for conformance to OEM standards of quality by most manufacturers.