Apr 5 2009
More than 200 U.S. Congressional members, firefighters, law enforcement, military personnel and media recently attended an event in Washington, D.C., to learn about new DuPont innovations and technologies that protect lives.
Mark Vergnano, group vice president, DuPont Safety & Protection, and Tom Powell, vice president and general manager, DuPont Advanced Fiber Systems, hosted the event, which featured Jeff Gordon, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and DuPont spokesperson.
In 2007, approximately 59,000 police officers in the U.S. alone were assaulted in the line of duty -- 181 of those assaults resulted in death (68 from gunfire). In that same year, more than 80,000 U.S. firefighters were injured on-the-job, and 118 lost their lives.
"Every day we rely on our first responders to keep us out of harm's way," Mark said. "There is an ever-growing need for new products to protect military personnel and first responders. Our advances in technology have resulted in vast improvements in on-the-job safety for those we rely upon to keep us safe."
U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), Co-Chairman Congressional Fire Services Caucus, and U.S. Congressman Mike Castle (R-Del.), who is a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, were featured speakers, in addition to Jeff.
"Hundreds of jobs are generated in manufacturing these protective technologies," Congressman Castle said. "By continuing to invest in such advanced technology and resources for our first responders, we can simultaneously protect our heroes as well as stimulate our economy."
Among the products and businesses showcased were: DuPont™ Nomex® On Demand™, the first-of-its-kind smart-fiber that activates when needed, to provide firefighters with 20 percent additional thermal protection; Kevlar® XP™ technology for vests that stop bullets faster; Tychem® garments for front-line defenders facing chemical and biological threats; DuPont Safety Resources; and Izon® technology, to authenticate equipment and products.