The Nation - News from Dec. 30, 1987

District of Columbia fire officials displayed new heat-deflecting suits, in the wake of complaints by union representatives that the unit assigned to protect the White House was inadequately equipped. Assistant District of Columbia Fire Chief Howard Dixon displayed new silver fire suits at a station about two miles from the White House that sends 24 firefighters to stand by each time the President takes off and lands in a helicopter. Dixon said the new suits were delivered in the last week. Earlier this week, cracked, torn protective suits had been shown on Washington television news reports to illustrate complaints that the unit was not equipped to rescue the President if the helicopter crashed and caught fire.