Fire chiefs ask commissioners to support procurement for replacement cascade breathing-air system

Fire chiefs and volunteer fire representatives asked Pennington County commissioners Sept. 16 to authorize a request for proposals to replace an aging cascade breathing-air fill system that supports firefighters' self-contained breathing apparatus bottles and dive-rescue operations. Volunteer-run cascade systems are used across rural departments in the county; the current trailer-mounted unit was described as increasingly maintenance-intensive and unsafe to tow in winter weather. Chiefs recommended a chassis-mounted system that county staff described as more reliable and easier to mobilize and maintain. The county’s fire administrator told the board the project would likely be procured through an RFP, with a multi-year purchase plan because chassis lead times can be long. Staff estimated a three-payment plan (e.g., initial chassis reserve, portion of build, final payment) beginning in 2026 and additional budget requests in 2027; commissioners asked staff to include the item in next year’s budget process. The board voted to support issuing the RFP and to place an estimated 2026 chassis payment in the 2026 budget request, subject to final RFP results and formal budget approval. Commissioners emphasized the county’s role in supporting volunteer departments and asked staff to return with a delivery and funding timeline when proposals arrive.