Matt Varner is a third-generation firefighter. He's been with the Schuylerville Fire Department for 27 years and has recently channeled his passion in a more creative way — making bags and other accessories from recycled turnout gear. 

"They loved it. We had a sign up sheet for all the guys that wanted new bags," said Varner. 

Varner got the idea when he noticed the guys in his department often mixed up each other's tool bags. Now he gives old turnout gear a second life with his small business "2nd Due Turnout Accessories."

Varner's mom made the first bag and taught him how to sew. Now, he makes everything from custom tool bags, backpacks, and wallets, to Santa hats and stockings for the holidays. 

"She walked me through a lot of the things that I've learned how to do. A lot I've done on my own and just gone to her afterward and said hey mom what do you think," said Varner.

After the old gear is collected from local departments and professionally cleaned, that's when the fun happens. Hours of stripping it down, drawing patterns, and sewing, no piece of material left behind. 

"From the cuffs on the pants all the way up to the collar of the jacket and everything in between. The suspenders, the zippers, the velcro, everything is used in one way or another," said Varner.

The process is complicated, but the goal is simple: Make a product that's blue-collar price and durable for firemen.

"Something that my brothers can go into battle with and know that they're getting a solid product made by another fireman they know is made for them," said Varner. 

If you'd like to see a full range of Varner's products, you can visit his Facebook page.