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Board OKs fire apparatus repair, increases purchase orders for gear and records systems
Summary
The Board of Selectmen approved an emergency repair and several FY2025–26 purchase orders for the New Canaan Fire Department, including a one-time repair of an apparatus involved in an April crash and blanket orders for turnout gear, SCBA service, uniforms and records software.
The New Canaan Board of Selectmen on June 24 approved an increase to the fire department’s fiscal‑year 2025 purchase order to cover repairs to a fire apparatus damaged in an April motor‑vehicle crash and approved multiple FY2026 blanket purchase orders for department equipment and services.
The purchases include an increase to the FY25 purchase order for apparatus repairs to “not to exceed $65,000” and a separate FY26 purchase order for turnout gear and SCBA service with Fire Tech & Safety not to exceed $50,000, New England Uniform not to exceed $35,000, Greenwich Hospital (Yale Occupational Health) not to exceed $30,000 for annual firefighter physicals, and a records management system vendor (listed in the motion as First Due) for a listed total of $2,012,939.56. The board approved the motion unanimously.
Why it matters: The apparatus repair was identified after the vehicle was taken apart for bodywork following the April crash. Fire Department staff reported an antifreeze leak and other issues that required additional work once the apparatus was disassembled. Officials said insurance will cover much of the collision damage; the board approved increasing the department’s FY25 spending limit to finish outstanding repairs.
Most important details: Fire Department staff said the additional repair on the apparatus is “almost $11,000.” The $50,000 PO for Fire Tech & Safety will cover turnout gear purchases (a current quote of about $34,000 for new gear) and annual service and repair of self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Staff said they vetted vendors and selected gear that is PFOS‑free and UL‑listed for particulate blocking.
Board action and discussion: The board moved and seconded the purchase orders and approved them unanimously. Selectmen asked whether funds were available; staff replied yes. Members asked vendor‑name clarifications for the records management invoice and directed staff to ensure the vendor name on the invoice matches the purchase order; the board amended the agenda to list the vendor as First Due where necessary and approved that change.
Background and context: Department staff explained the apparatus had been struck on Jelloth Mill in April and that the insurance company is handling collision damage; the newly discovered issues were identified while the unit was undergoing bodywork. Fire Tech & Safety was described as the vendor that services SCBA and supplies particulate‑blocking, PFOS‑free turnout gear the department selected after vendor vetting.
What’s next: The department will complete the apparatus repairs and order the quoted turnout gear after July 1. Staff flagged that SCBA annual testing and any subsequent repairs are built into the FY26 request.
