Item No. 12.
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY:ANTHONY HILDEBRAND, FIRE CHIEF
DATE:FEBRUARY 10, 2026
SUBJECT:ACCEPTANCE OF DONATED FIREFIGHTER WELLNESS EQUIPMENT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will consider approving the acceptance of $12,999 in donated wellness equipment from Dialed and Defend, a nonprofit organization associated with Dialed Labs Inc. This equipment will contribute to post- incident decontamination of Downey firefighters and bolster existing cancer reduction practices within the Department.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Accept the donation of firefighter wellness equipment from Dialed and Defend, valued at $12,999.
BACKGROUND
Since 2002, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has attributed more than 60% of line of duty deaths of firefighters to job-related cancer. Firefighters are inherently exposed to more hazards than the general population, due to the nature and location of their work. These hazards come in many forms. From fire scenes rife with carcinogenic products of combustion to vehicle exhaust present in the fire stations, firefighters today face up to double the risk for cancer than the general population. The City of Downey and Downey Fire Department have made a commitment to reducing workplace exposures to hazardous chemicals for firefighters to combat the alarming cancer trend. To date, the following steps have been taken to reduce the exposure of Downey firefighters to potentially hazardous materials:
1. Installing diesel exhaust removal systems in all fire stations that remove harmful chemicals from the interior of the apparatus bays.
2. Implementing design standards at all fire stations in which designated areas for equipment storage are equipped with exhaust fans that prevent post-incident off gassing into the station living quarters.
3. Implementing a flash hood exchange program in which firefighters working in areas designated as Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) on fire incidents swap out soiled protective equipment for clean while on scene.
4. Equipping all four fire stations with turnout extractors that allow the regular laundering and decontamination of firefighter protective clothing.
In an effort to continue providing the highest degree of protection to Downey firefighters, industry trends have been evaluated for potential inclusion in the Fire Department’s commitment to cancer prevention. Post-exposure decontamination of firefighters and their equipment was an identified gap in these efforts. Research indicates that heat therapies, such as sauna use, has been shown to dramatically reduce the absorption of carcinogens into the bloodstream.
ANALYSIS
Dialed Labs Inc., through their 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Dialed and Defend, has committed to providing $250,000 to the health of California firefighters through the donation of wellness equipment. Seeking to aggressively address the growing concerns over cancer rates among firefighters, Downey Fire Department contacted Dialed Labs Inc. through a local vendor. As a result of this interaction, Downey Fire Department has been offered one sauna unit for firefighter decontamination, valued at $12,999. This contribution is made with the express purpose of supporting firefighter wellness, and recovery initiatives within the Department. Dialed Labs does not require, request, or expect any form of endorsement or other obligations.
If accepted, this equipment will be installed at Fire Station 1, the City’s headquarters station, for post-fire decontamination. There are existing policies and procedures in place for the safe and hygienic use of saunas at Downey Fire Department facilities. As discussed, research indicates that therapies of this type have been shown to reduce the absorption of certain carcinogens by 43%. Coupled with the programs and initiatives already in place, the acceptance of this donation will contribute to ensuring the long-term health of Downey firefighters and reaffirm the commitment to cancer reduction for the City’s first responders.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Efficiency & Adaptability
Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
Attachments
Attachment A: Donation acceptance letter from Dialed and Defend
Date: February 10, 2026
To: Downey Fire Department
Attn: City of Downey City Council
Subject: Donation Certification – Sauna Unit
To whom it may concern,
Dialed Labs is pleased to formally certify the donation of one (1) sauna unit to The city of Downey Fire Station #2 This donation is provided at no cost, with no conditions, obligations, or expectations of compensation, financial or otherwise.
This contribution is made solely to support firefighter wellness and recovery initiatives within your department. Dialed Labs does not require, request, or expect:
• Any formal or informal endorsement
• Any future purchase obligations
• Any operational, staffing, or policy commitments
The sauna unit is provided as a complete, unconditional donation, and the department is under no indebtedness to Dialed Labs as a result of accepting it.
Should you require additional documentation for City Council, procurement, legal review, or insurance purposes, we are happy to provide it.
Thank you for the opportunity to support those who serve our community.
Respectfully,
Andrew Gonzalez
Director of Facilities and Operations
Dialed Labs
(562) 685-6300
[email protected]
ATTACHMENT A