Red Bank Fire Department seeks $27,220 purchase to replace aging hose

The Red Bank Fire Department recommended purchasing replacement fire hose from Tennessee Fire Equipment for $27,220, citing equipment life‑cycle needs and a vendor distribution territory that makes the purchase effectively sole‑source. Chief Seiler (fire chief) said the department began evaluating hose replacement in 2022 after finding much of the inventory was 20 years old or older and that National Fire Protection standards and departmental practice require retirement of hose that age. The department selected Mercier/Kraken (as read in the transcript) hose for its unique couplings that include reflective orientation arrows and for a two‑year warranty that will replace damaged sections during the warranty period. Chief Seiler said the vendor network places Tennessee Fire Equipment in the city's geographic dealer territory; a manufacturer letter accompanying the staff report specifies dealer territories and indicates the product is available through that dealer. Chief Seiler said the purchase will add roughly 4,000 feet of hose and that the color will match existing hose (yellow with red stripes). Commissioners asked about the multi‑year replacement plan. Chief Seiler said the department plans additional purchases next fiscal year to replace remaining hose and expects the multi‑year program to complete the replacement cycle in approximately two budget years. The resolution on the agenda was to approve the purchase; the transcript records discussion and the price but does not record a formal vote in the provided excerpt.