Ridgewood to buy decon washer, turnout gear with American Rescue Plan grant and capital funds
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Summary
The council approved purchases for firefighter equipment including a $36,395.50 decontamination washer fully covered by an American Rescue Plan firefighter grant and new turnout gear (~$49,033.80) funded by a mix of ARP grant, a 2024 capital account and the 2025 capital improvement ordinance.
Ridgewood officials advanced purchases of firefighter equipment funded largely by federal grant awards and existing capital accounts.
Chief Judge (Ridgewood Fire Department) presented two items: a decontamination washer (vendor TJ I Incorporated, Turtle Creek, Pa.) priced at $36,395.50 and replacement turnout gear (vendor Strategic Safety Dynamics, Smithtown, N.Y.) priced at $49,033.80.
The decon washer will expand cleaning capacity beyond the department's existing gear washer to decontaminate masks, helmets, boots and gloves; staff said the full $36,395.50 cost will be covered by an American Rescue Plan (ARP) Firefighter Grant awarded in February 2024. For the turnout gear purchase, staff explained funding would come from three sources: the ARP firefighter grant, $13,003.36 from a 2024 capital account and the balance ($38,110.83 stated in the meeting) from the 2025 capital improvement ordinance.
Council members praised the department's grant pursuit and supported buying the equipment with the identified funding mix. Staff noted the purchases would replace worn and outdated gear and provide hoods for all active members.
Procurement details and vendor names were included in the packet; staff said the grants and capital accounts cover the purchases as described.