University of Kentucky graduates develop turnout gear for firefighters

Kentucky alumni shape protective gear for firefighters

University of Kentucky has reported that two alumni are contributing to the design and maintenance of turnout gear used by firefighters across the United States.

According to the university, Andrea Boylin and Tricia Hock both studied merchandising, apparel and textiles at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

The university explained that Boylin is a product manager at LION, responsible for developing turnout gear such as boots, coats, helmets and gloves.

Hock is vice president of product management and marketing at LION and works on its TotalCare team, which manages the cleaning, inspection and repair of protective gear to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1851 standards.

Boylin said: “We are making firefighters’ turnout gear better, safer and dryer. Seeing it in action is really inspiring.

“I don’t think I would be at LION without my education at the University of Kentucky. UK helped reshape my professional life.”

Hock added: “We are keeping our firefighters protected so they can do their jobs at the highest level every day.

“While attending graduate school, I was able to make meaningful connections in the fire service industry. I wouldn’t be at LION today without my educational and professional experience at UK.”

University research supports turnout gear development

The University of Kentucky stated that both Boylin and Hock gained experience in the institution’s Textiles Testing Lab.

The lab, led by professor Elizabeth Easter since 1988, provides research and evaluation services for the textile and apparel industry.

Easter said: “Having both Andrea and Tricia as MAT students in the lab and now seeing what they are doing to improve communities at LION is truly inspirational.

“We are very thankful to LION, who has utilised our lab for more than three decades and funded student research projects on firefighter turnout gear.”

The university reported that Boylin and Hock both undertook internships with LION during their studies, giving them practical insight into applying academic training in fire service contexts.

Boylin said: “I wanted to work on real-world problems, not just theory, and that’s what the MAT program and the lab offered us.

“We were able to apply what we learned in the classroom and in the lab at LION. We are very thankful to UK and Dr. Easter for making this connection.”

Endowment funds firefighter gear research

The University of Kentucky explained that LION has supported the Textiles Testing Lab financially.

In 2000, the company donated $50,000, which was matched through the state’s Research Challenge Trust Fund to create a $100,000 endowment.

According to the university, the LION Apparel Endowment has supported eight student research projects on firefighter turnout gear since its establishment.

Hock said: “I found my love in the Textiles Testing Lab realising there’s so much you can do with a MAT degree.

“Being at LION today, it’s an honour and truly a full-circle moment. What these firefighters and first responders do for us is simply incredible.”

Turnout gear used by Kentucky firefighters

The University of Kentucky highlighted that Lexington Fire Department uses LION turnout gear designed in the state.

Capt. Steve Lewis of the department said: “Serving for 22 years, what I’ve noticed is the evolution of the turnout gear in a good way.

“We now have added functionality, breathability, flexibility and overall performance enhancements for us on the fire ground.

“It’s critical to have gear that moves and functions with us, not against us, because there are people waiting on us to come in and save the day.”

The university noted that LION operates three manufacturing and distribution centres in Kentucky, located in Beattyville, Hazel Green and West Liberty.

Lewis added: “When we used to go get fitted for gear, there were little to no options; it was more one-size-fits-all.

“Now, there’s way more customisation with the turnout gear, thanks to the people at LION. As a proud Kentuckian, having LION in our corner and right in our backyard is massive.”

Recognition for Kentucky-made turnout gear

The University of Kentucky reported that LION’s V-Force turnout gear was recently recognised in a statewide competition.

The Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and Kentucky Farm Bureau named the gear the “Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky” through an online bracket vote.

The university explained that this recognition followed decades of collaboration between its academic research programmes and industry support from LION.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The University of Kentucky’s reporting highlights how academic research in textiles is being applied directly to fire safety through turnout gear design and maintenance.

The work of graduates at LION demonstrates how industry partnerships can produce equipment aligned with NFPA standards while responding to firefighter feedback.

The example of Lexington Fire Department shows how local departments benefit from customised gear produced within the state.

The university’s lab and endowment illustrate a model of sustained collaboration between higher education and the fire safety sector.

University of Kentucky graduates develop turnout gear for firefighters: Summary

University of Kentucky has reported that alumni are designing and maintaining turnout gear for firefighters.

The university named Andrea Boylin and Tricia Hock as graduates working at LION.

Boylin develops gear such as boots, coats and helmets.

Hock oversees inspection and repair through LION’s TotalCare team.

Both gained experience in the university’s Textiles Testing Lab.

Professor Elizabeth Easter launched the lab in 1988.

LION has supported the lab financially since 2000.

The company created a $100,000 endowment for research.

Lexington Fire Department uses LION turnout gear.

Capt. Steve Lewis said the gear had improved functionality.

LION has three centres in Kentucky.

Its V-Force turnout gear won a statewide award.

The university linked its alumni’s education to their current roles.

The report highlighted ongoing academic-industry collaboration.

The case demonstrates how research supports firefighter safety.

Image: Lexington firefighter puts on LION’s turnout gear. Photo by Sabrina Hounshell.