Joliet approves tornado-siren relocations, compressor station, dive van and other public-safety purchases; ambulance replacement flagged for follow-up

The City of Joliet approved a set of Public Safety Committee purchases during its Sept. 2 meeting, and officials discussed ambulance replacement needs as an outstanding issue.

Approved purchases (listed in committee and included on the consent agenda) include the relocation of two tornado sirens and purchase of one new siren from Braniff Communications Inc. for $49,225; a compressor/purifier and fill station for Joliet Fire Department Station 1 from Breathing Air Systems for $48,616.29; one Ford Expedition SSV from Ron Tirupelli Ford (funded by a grant) for $52,007.82; and a specialized dive‑team van from Her Display Vans for $208,075. Committee members and department staff described operational reasons for each purchase: updated breathing-air equipment replaces gear last installed in 1994; the dive van is modeled after a neighboring jurisdiction’s vehicle but with upgrades; and tornado siren relocations respond to coverage needs.

Fire Department and committee speakers noted that ambulance usage is high and that two current ambulances accrued more than 12,000 miles in six months; a speaker said new ambulances take about 30 weeks to build and that ordering sooner would save roughly $60,000 per vehicle versus waiting. The council did not approve additional ambulance orders at the meeting but members said they would keep the item on the council’s radar.

All listed Public Safety Committee purchasing items moved forward to and were approved by the full council as part of the consent agenda.