Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Largo approves $157,500 purchase of replacement firefighter protective clothing; commission clarifies 10-year NFPA limit
Summary
The commission authorized a purchase of firefighter protective clothing (bunker gear) from 10-8 Fire Equipment Inc. for $157,500 and discussed replacement policy: the city will not use structural firefighting gear beyond 10 years per National Fire Protection Association guidance; older gear may be marketed for training use.
The Largo City Commission on Jan. 21 approved authorization to purchase replacement firefighter personal protection clothing (bunker gear) from 10-8 Fire Equipment Inc. under a Lake County contract, in the amount of $157,500.
Vice Mayor Holmes asked how the department evaluates replacement: staff replied that replacement factors include usage, age and cost, but also noted the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard that discourages using structural firefighting gear past 10 years from the date of manufacture. Commissioners asked whether the city still gives older gear to other departments; staff said the city does not pass used structural gear for firefighting use but may market older gear for training purposes to get additional useful life out of items no longer acceptable for structural response.
The motion to authorize the purchase was moved, seconded and approved 7-0. A fire chief thanked the commission at the close of the item. The commission’s action authorizes the purchase under the referenced cooperative contract; departmental replacement scheduling and inventory will follow NFPA guidance and internal inspection processes.
