Chesapeake Fire Department Becomes First in Virginia to Select MSA G1™ City Edition SCBA

A decades-long relationship with MSA Safety continues into the next generation of SCBA technology, now alongside Witmer Public Safety Group.

COATESVILLE, PA | September 30, 2026

Witmer Public Safety Group (WPSG), parent company of TheFireStore, is proud to announce that the Chesapeake Fire Department will become the first fire department in Virginia to purchase the newly introduced MSA G1™ City Edition SCBA.

The announcement follows MSA Safety’s introduction of the G1 City Edition, the latest evolution of the G1 SCBA platform. The new system combines advanced firefighter accountability and search capabilities with a lighter, more ergonomic design built around the demands of today’s fire service.

For Chesapeake Fire Department, the decision also represents the continuation of a relationship built over decades.

Following a comprehensive evaluation led by the department and its SCBA shop team, Chesapeake selected MSA Safety through Witmer Public Safety Group to support its firefighters—forging a partnership expected to carry forward for the next 15 years and into another generation of the department.

The department’s new G1 City Edition SCBA will provide Chesapeake firefighters with some of MSA’s latest advancements, including integrated LUNAR® Beacon Technology, enhanced firefighter accountability and search capabilities, reduced weight, improved ergonomics, and the latest evolution of the G1 platform.

But for Chesapeake, these new SCBA will carry something that goes far beyond technology.

Carrying Their Legacy Forward

The cylinders will feature the Frank and Johnny logo, honoring Chesapeake firefighters Frank Young and Johnny Hudgins, who made the ultimate sacrifice in 1996.

Thirty years later, their names and legacy will continue to ride alongside Chesapeake firefighters.

The tribute reflects something deeply rooted in the fire service: the responsibility to keep moving firefighter safety forward while never forgetting those who came before.

Innovation and remembrance, carried together.

Congratulations to the Chesapeake Fire Department on becoming Virginia’s first MSA G1 City Edition department.

Welcome to the G1 City Edition family. We are honored to stand beside you.

Protecting those who protect us. Remembering those who gave everything.

About Witmer Public Safety Group

For more than 25 years, Witmer Public Safety Group has served firefighters, first responders, departments, and public safety agencies with the equipment, expertise, service, and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. Through TheFireStore and its Frontline Sales Team, WPSG works alongside departments to provide solutions ranging from everyday fire service essentials to complex equipment requiring consultation, configuration, training, installation, and ongoing support.

For more on the story of Frank Young and Johnny Hudgins, their sacrifice, and the legacy they left with the Chesapeake Fire Department, watch their story here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1yrhTnaKdk

Media Contact Kiri Son, Marketing Manager | [email protected]