County agrees to buy PPE for Salt Creek volunteer crew, up to $35,000

Natrona County commissioners approved a one-time allocation of up to $35,000 from the county's 1-cent reserve to help outfit volunteer firefighters who respond to range and oil-field fires in the Salt Creek/Midwest area.

The commission's decision follows a public appeal from Rep. Bill Aleman and testimony from local fire leaders pressing for updated protective gear and faster procurement because current supplies are worn and some items are backordered for months. County staff and commissioners emphasized the need for procurement accountability and also discussed working with county fire to secure orders at volume.

Aleman, who spoke to the board at the podium and said he has helped compile cost estimates, asked the commission to approve funding so equipment could be ordered immediately rather than waiting for competitive grants. "If we lost one of these firefighters because we did not give them the proper equipment, I don't know how I'd sleep that night," Aleman said.

Riley Duett, identified in the meeting transcript as Saukirk Emergency Services chief, gave an itemized per-person cost of roughly $3,017 (boots, shelter, pants, etc.) and said suppliers had lead times ranging from weeks to months depending on the item. County fire staff and Commissioners noted that buying through county fire could speed fulfillment and simplify distribution.

Commissioners asked representatives whether any private industry contributions were expected; speakers said some companies in the oil field have historically offered small stipends but ownership of particular fields had changed and firm commitments were not available. Commissioner comments focused on finding the balance between immediate safety needs and reasonable public oversight of county funds. The motion to allocate up to $35,000 was approved by the board.

The county directed staff to work with county fire to solicit quotes and identify immediate stock that could be purchased and distributed once funds are released. Commissioners and members of the public said they would continue to pursue grant opportunities, but they said the immediacy of local need justified use of county funds.

Evidence presented at the meeting included an itemized equipment list and per-person cost totals prepared by local fire representatives, and testimony about supplier lead times. The board recorded no additional formal conditions to the appropriation other than coordinating purchases through county fire so items could be tracked and deployed.

Representative Aleman and local fire leaders said they would provide final size lists and vendor quotes to county staff so purchases could be completed quickly.

The commission's approval will be recorded in the minutes and the county's purchasing process will be used for final orders.