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Vandalia fire division outlines ATV skid‑unit replacement and NFPA‑compliant turnout‑gear purchases
Summary
Battalion Chief Jacobs told council the fire division plans to replace a 1994 pickup skid unit with a four‑seater ATV skid unit that will add EMS capability and reduce mutual‑aid dependence; staff also proposed replacing about 10 sets of NFPA‑compliant turnout gear as part of the 2026 budget.
Battalion Chief Jacobs briefed the Vandalia City Council on two fire‑division items during the study session: a proposal to replace an aging 1994 Chevrolet pickup skid unit shared with Butler Township with a four‑seater ATV skid unit, and a plan to replace firefighting turnout gear on a staggered annual schedule to maintain NFPA compliance.
Jacobs said the ATV skid unit would carry a pump and tank similar to the existing skid apparatus but be mounted in a four‑person ATV. He said the unit will be useful for brush and grass fires, provide EMS capability during special events, and reduce the department’s dependence on mutual‑aid units for that apparatus. A councilmember expressed surprise that such an old truck (1994) remained in service; Jacobs said the city garage has maintained the vehicle, noting it has seen limited use since being repurposed.
On protective clothing, Jacobs said the department plans a regular replacement cadence to maintain NFPA 10‑year compliance. He said roughly 10 sets of turnout gear are budgeted for replacement as part of the 2026 request; staff try to schedule replacements early in the year to avoid typical cost increases.
Both items were presented as discussion items; staff said they would not return to the study session as formal action items but will be included in budget or purchase agendas as appropriate.
