Council ratifies purchase of new SCBA units for Crescent City Fire and Rescue

The City of Crescent City’s council ratified a staff action on Jan. 13 to replace the fire department’s aging self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Fire Chief Bill Gillespie described the purchase as long‑overdue equipment modernization. The department’s existing units were 12–20 years old and “out of compliance,” Gillespie said; he told the council the department consolidated buying power with the local fire district and used that combined budget to achieve price savings and procure a larger and more consistent fleet.

Chief Gillespie said the city purchased SCBA harnesses, facepieces, about 40 cylinders, rapid‑intervention survival packs and associated chargers from a single vendor selected for service and long‑term maintenance. The chief said that combining city and district purchases reduced costs and accelerated replacement; staff expects deliveries and fit‑testing to begin in March.

Council action: The council moved to approve and ratify the city manager’s signature on the purchase order; council confirmed the procurement by roll call. The meeting record shows the council voted in favor and the mayor called the measure approved.

Why it matters: SCBA units are essential safety equipment for firefighters entering smoke‑filled or oxygen‑deficient atmospheres. Replacing aged, out‑of‑service or difficult‑to‑maintain units reduces operational risk and ensures the department meets applicable safety standards.

Implementation: Chief Gillespie said staff will perform fit testing and deploy the new equipment after training. The purchase is funded through Measure S and a benefit assessment per the fire district’s previously adopted fiscal plans.