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Fire department outlines equipment needs, firefighter health screening and station upgrades
Summary
Fire staff reported rising firefighter cancer concerns, a need for annual screening and wellness services, requested a turnout dryer and equipment upgrades, described SCBA cylinder replacement planning, and sought funding for brush truck and UTV replacements that generate revenue when deployed outside the city.
Speaker 4 and Speaker 6 presented multiple operational needs for the fire department. They flagged a growing body‑count of occupational cancer diagnoses nationally and described state conversations about mandatory yearly screening for firefighters. Speaker 4 said the department currently piggybacks on Gunnison Hospital counseling for mental‑health support but that future legal and funding changes could shift screening costs to departments.
On personal protective equipment, staff said NFPA recommends two sets of turnout gear per firefighter so one set can be laundered after each use; the department has a turnout washer but not a dedicated dryer, which staff estimate at roughly $10,000. "We bridal them turn out back and wash them according to the what we're supposed to do every time we go out on a call," Speaker 4 said, and noted drying can take up to 20 hours if hung to air dry.
Speaker 4 reported SCBA cylinders must be rehydrotested regularly and replaced at the end of 15 years; at ~$1,200 per cylinder and 32 cylinders in the fleet, he estimated a multi‑year replacement cost in the tens of thousands and asked the council to budget annual savings toward that eventual cost.
On larger capital, Speaker 6 described the VHF brush truck (a 1998 ex‑BLM unit) as heavily used and nearing replacement; total outfitting costs for a new brush truck can approach $150,000 when the pump system and equipment boxes are included. The department seeks replacement of a heavily used UTV as well; both pieces of equipment are relied on for incidents outside city limits and can generate reimbursement from federal/state land‑management agencies when used on non‑private land.
Staff also requested electrical/air hook‑ups in the station to support a new engine due in the December–January timeframe, upgraded workout equipment to support firefighter fitness and wellness, and ongoing funding for grants and equipment replacement without relying entirely on one‑time grant awards.
No formal action was recorded; staff highlighted several capital items to include in the upcoming budget and indicated intent to pursue grants where possible.
