Troy Uniformed Firefighters Association President Eric Wisher says better staffing and a second set of turnout gear are priorities for Troy Firefighters.

"I don’t think these issues are a political football. I think they're legitimate issues," Wisher said.

He continued to advocate for these changes during the city council finance committee meeting Thursday night.

"We want 100 percent protection and we feel, with a second set of gear, it'll give our guys 100 percent protection," Wisher said.

With a second set, Wisher says firefighters would not have to continuously wear contaminated gear with hazardous materials. 

Fire Chief Eric McMahon also expressed concerns, but says it's not that simple.

"As chief of the department. We need to prioritize the very limited funds we have," McMahon said.

Instead, McMahon says a contamination reduction policy was recently implemented, which removes 85 percent of hazards, immediately after a fire, to alleviate concerns.

If advanced decontamination is needed, the turnout gear will get a full wash at the end of their shift.

With an estimated $340,000 for a second set, Mayor Patrick Madden (D) says all issues need to be evaluated.

"We're trying to make sure guys are protected as best as we can. It's a dangerous situation, there's no two ways about that. And we're trying to do it in a manner taxpayers can afford," Madden said.

For example, fire and city officials all acknowledge the aging fire stations need work.

Moving forward, Finance Committee Chair and Council President Carmella Mantello (R) remains optimistic a second set of turnout gear could be purchased through a bond or the contingency fund. 

"If we can find money to update zoning plans, to provide money to finish a comp plan, we can certainly provide a second set of turnout gear," Mantello said.