Husser fire chief asks Tangipahoa Parish board for 4WD service truck and turnout gear as insurance costs rise

Husser Fire Department Chief Dale Vernon told the Tangipahoa Parish Fire Protection District No. 2 board on June 23 that the department needs 20 new sets of turnout gear and a 4-wheel-drive service truck to maintain response capability as insurance costs increase.

Vernon said the department has been relying on grants and volunteer support to buy equipment but that recent grant shortfalls and a jump in insurance costs have left the station short on replacement gear and dependable service vehicles. “We are in desperate need… the gear contract has expired,” Vernon said. He told the board he had obtained three quotes and that the cheapest per-set price he found was about $4,700; for 20 sets he calculated roughly $94,000.

Why it matters: Vernon said an aging service truck and limited compartment space are affecting the department’s ability to fight grass and range fires during the first critical 30–45 minutes of a response. He warned the situation could “affect my rate” if the department can’t hold fires quickly. He also said the department expects insurance costs to rise sharply and is reviewing budgets to absorb higher premiums. “Our insurance was $800,000. It’s a million 6,” a board speaker said during the discussion.

Board and staff response: The board and staff discussed process and budgeting. Vernon said he has some local 2% funds available to buy gear; Chair Miss Hyde confirmed that Vernon “has the money to purchase the gears.” Board members said the finance committee has begun monthly meetings to vet budget and capital-outlay requests, and Dennis James (finance staff) and Administrator David Atkins were identified as people to coordinate further. The board indicated Vernon should provide written lists and supporting documentation and that three quotes would be required for purchases.

Vernon also asked whether he had authority to act on the quotes immediately or needed to wait until the next meeting. A board member told Vernon to keep Administrator David Atkins informed about purchases and to share quote details with staff; Vernon said he would do so.

Numbers and procurement steps: Vernon said he requested three quotes and was awaiting one vendor’s reply; he estimated roughly $47.00 per unit in his initial remarks but later clarified the correct figure was about $4,700 per turnout set. He said the truck he needs is a 4-wheel-drive vehicle with a skid unit (an F‑250 or similar) and that used options are acceptable. Board members reminded chiefs that capital requests should be planned on a multi-year (five-year) timeline where possible and cautioned against counting on grants as guaranteed funding.

What was decided: The discussion ended with staff and board members agreeing to review Vernon’s written requests and quotes at the finance committee level and to coordinate with Administrator David Atkins and Dennis James. Vernon was told to provide quotes and to notify staff where he finds equipment; he said he would do so. There was no formal board vote recorded at the meeting to allocate additional parish capital for the truck; Vernon and the board treated the gear purchase as covered by available 2% funds and subject to procurement rules and quote requirements.

Looking ahead: Board members urged chiefs to prepare written capital lists for the budget/finance committee so requests are prioritized and transparent. Vernon said he would return with documentation and that the department will continue pursuing grants while seeking parish support for the truck if needed.