Cheyenne County approves firefighter appointment, agrees to share cost of rescue airbags and OKs vehicle repairs

Speaker 1 (unnamed) moved to appoint Andrew Bailey to the Cheyenne County fire department, and meeting participants approved the appointment by voice vote.

The meeting also addressed emergency-rescue equipment and vehicle maintenance. Participants agreed to pay $3,651.93 as the county’s portion of recently purchased rescue airbags for a nearby municipal volunteer department. They discussed a larger vendor quote of $7,303 that included a control unit and said the county would split the cost with the other jurisdiction and charge the amount to the county’s special fire fund. Speaker 1 described the airbags as lifesaving equipment, noting the county had previously “blew 1 out,” that the items are typically a 10-year part but their set was much older, and that it was better to have the equipment and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Separately, participants authorized up to $5,000 for repairs to “Unit 1” (a county emergency vehicle). Staff estimated the repair cost at about $5,000 but cautioned they did not yet have a formal quote; they described possible problems including a failed intercooler or EGR cooler and a leaking transmission seal. The group agreed staff could begin repairs up to the authorized amount and would return to the board if the work would exceed that limit.

Votes at a glance

- Appointment of Andrew Bailey to the Cheyenne County fire department: moved by Speaker 1; second not specified in the record. Voice vote: “aye” recorded; no opposing votes recorded. Outcome: approved.

- Payment of $3,651.93 as the county portion for rescue airbags: motion recorded as moved by Speaker 1; second not specified. Voice vote: “aye” recorded. Outcome: approved. Note: a vendors’ quote of $7,303 (including control unit) was discussed; speakers said the county would split the cost and charge its share to the special fire budget.

- Authorization of up to $5,000 for repairs to Unit 1 (emergency vehicle): motion moved and seconded; specific mover/second not clearly identified in the record. Outcome: approved. Staff will report back if repair costs exceed the authorized amount.

Context and details

Speakers discussed practical use and deployment of the airbags, saying local volunteer departments were beginning training and that having the equipment locally could reduce long response times. They noted the county’s purchase and cost-sharing arrangement arose because the airbags had been ordered previously and the county and the municipality bought parts together. One speaker said he would consult “Bert” for permission from the other jurisdiction before finalizing the work charge, and another noted the cost should come from the county’s special fire budget.

On the vehicle repairs, staff said the vehicle is a diesel (6-liter) and described symptoms including steam when shutdown and possible intercooler or EGR cooler failure; they said the transmission also had a leak and that a mechanic had replaced some seals. Because the vehicle is emergency apparatus, speakers said repair work should proceed promptly but that the board should be notified if costs exceed the $5,000 authorization.

The meeting included informal discussion about volunteer staffing and upcoming training; one speaker noted the county’s desire to avoid long trips in life-or-death situations and the importance of keeping emergency equipment operational.

Ending

No further formal actions on these items were recorded in the transcript. Participants closed the meeting after approving the motions above and adjourning by voice vote.