Pratt County approves ESO contract, discusses rescue truck replacement and fire chief’s planned July resignation

Pratt County commissioners voted to renew a contract with ESO (fire-reporting software) for $3,557 and heard Fire Chief Bill Hampton describe equipment needs and personnel plans as he signaled an intention to step down July 1.

Hampton told commissioners the ESO product supports incident reporting, personnel tracking and vehicle maintenance entries and that the company’s new state program requires each department to have separate FDID accounts. He said the county could provide a one-time training benefit but that departments may need to contract separately for ongoing use.

On equipment, Hampton said Rescue 1 is “definitely past due on replacement,” that Rescue 2 received an engine replacement last year and that the commission could use a special equipment fund to begin replacing apparatus. He also said he plans to turn in his resignation effective around July 1 but intends to remain active operationally and help a successor transition.

Hampton proposed internal promotions — recommending candidates such as Clayton (assistant chief), captains and potential lieutenants — and said he preferred an internal hire for continuity. Commissioners and Hampton discussed budget limitations and timing, and he said he would advertise the position in May if necessary.

Why it matters: Emergency response apparatus and leadership transitions directly affect public safety readiness and county budgeting for capital equipment. The ESO contract approval preserves the county’s reporting capability while apparatus replacement will require multi-year planning and funding.

Commission action: Motion to approve ESO contract renewal for $3,557 passed (voice vote recorded as passed). No formal action was taken on rescue truck procurement or the chief’s resignation; Hampton asked the board to consider equipment-fund allocations during budget planning.