Firefighters should not have to work in unhealthy conditions; their jobs are unhealthy enough as it is.
I agree totally with Brattleboro Fire Chief Mike Bucossi and hope that funding can be found, maybe piece together some grants from state and the feds. Money for emergency services is out there, and it would definitely be money well spent to hire a grantwriter.
Also, exhaust filter systems are available to retrofit to the rigs.
I'm probably not saying anything the chief doesn't already know. Best wishes to Brattleboro!