PORTSMOUTH — The Fire Department is seeking approval to spend $28,000 from its inheritance from the late Geraldine Webber for an industrial washer and dryer for use at Fire Station 3 in the Pease International Tradeport.

Fire Chief Steve Achilles said, if approved, the money will be used for the washer and dryer, as well as floor and electrical upgrades to support them. He said the washer and dryer and like those found in nursing homes and hospitals and must be bolted to concrete floors.

Achilles said firefighters use the heavy-duty machines to clean their gear after fighting fires, or exposure to chemicals and possible carcinogens. If not exposed to those hazards, he said, firefighters are also required to clean the gear twice a year.

According to the fire chief, the other two fire stations, on Court Street and Lafayette Road, both have industrial washers and dryers. All firefighters have a set of gear sized to them, as well as access to backup gear, he said.

"It's an initiative to improve the health and safety of our employees," Achilles said. "We believe it's consistent with the Webber trust."

The police and fire departments each received $375,629 from Webber’s estate and her last will and testament stipulated that the money is “to be used for the purchase of safety equipment.” The Fire Commission will review the request for the $28,000 expenditure at its Feb. 13 meeting.

The Police Commission in December approved two expenditures from its Webber inheritance.

One was for $25,229 to purchase “public order equipment” for all of the Police Department’s 64 full-time officers in sizes to fit each of them. Chief Robert Merner described the gear as resembling baseball catcher’s equipment and said the sets include a chest protector, helmet, forearm and elbow pads, as well as shin guards. Merner said the gear will protect officers from thrown objects and other injuries if they are dispatched to manage an unruly crowd.

The Police Commission also approved $14,064 for numbered uniform and hat badges for the city's 64 officers. Merner said the department has long identified its officers through dispatch with ever-changing numbers and recently that caused a two-minute delay trying to locate an officer. He said use of numbered uniform badges is the national standard and is more efficient, especially “during critical incidents when seconds count.” He said numbered uniforms and hats will also enable the public to quickly glean an officer’s number in the event of a complaint.