Hall County Fire Rescue presents $1.8M SCBA and $2.17M 107-foot tiller truck purchases; deliveries estimated up to 48 months

Fire Rescue officials told commissioners they are seeking approval for two major equipment purchases: a sole-source purchase of MSA G1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) systems and a tractor-drawn 107-foot aerial tiller truck.

"Item number 4 is to approve the sole source purchase of MSA G1 self contained breathing apparatus and SCBA for fire rescue to 10.8 Fire and Safety LLC of Bradenton, Florida in the amount of $1,808,020," presenter Jerry Smith said, adding that the purchase is funded in the Fire District capital improvement plan and is under budget. Smith said a 12-member committee evaluated three manufacturers and found MSA to be the highest-scoring based on technology fit, live-fire performance and service and support. He said older units will be transferred to the jail or sold at auction where they do not meet current NFPA standards.

Smith also described a request to purchase a Pierce Enforcer 107-foot tractor-drawn aerial tiller truck from the same vendor, priced at $2,169,124 and procured under an NPPGov cooperative contract. "This purchase is being made under the NPP Gov consortium contract," Smith said, and estimated delivery is 48 months. Commissioners discussed truck size and maneuverability; staff described the tiller design and noted it offers additional storage compared with other apparatus.

Both items were presented for consent; the work session record shows commissioners voiced approval to move the items to consent for formal action at the voting meeting.