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Soda Springs council authorizes up to $35,000 for replacement firefighter turnout gear
Summary
Council authorized up to $35,000 toward replacement turnout gear after the fire chief said the department's gear (purchased in 2012) exceeds NFPA-recommended replacement intervals; $18,000 was pledged by Ireland Bank toward the purchase.
Soda Springs councilors on Jan. 21 authorized the fire department to replace turnout gear for volunteer firefighters, approving expenditure not to exceed $35,000 after a presentation from the fire chief.
Chief Squires told the council that NFPA 1851 recommends replacement of turnout ensembles on a 10-year cycle; the department’s current gear dates to 2012. Bids ranged from about $3,100 to $4,200 per set; the chief recommended a mid-range option priced at $3,333.79 per set for 15 sets (estimated total about $51,000). Ireland Bank pledged approximately $18,000 toward the purchase, leaving an estimated city share of roughly $33,000–$35,000 depending on final pricing.
Councilors discussed budget timing and options and were told the fire budget is typically underspent at year-end by $20,000–$40,000, making the replacement feasible in the current fiscal year. A motion to authorize the purchase not to exceed $35,000 (after applying the pledged donation) was made, seconded and approved by the council.
The chief noted the outfitter will custom-fit each firefighter and that modern gear includes fitting and sizing services. Council asked staff to process the purchase and provide implementation details to ensure timely fitting and distribution.
