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West Palm Beach approves $982,000 for EMS truck, turnout gear tied to SAFER firefighter positions
Summary
The commission approved Resolution No. 45NASH26F to appropriate $712,000 from general fund contingency and $270,000 from the fire-assessment fund (total $982,000) to buy an EMS transport-rescue truck and equipment needed to outfit 17 SAFER-funded firefighter positions; Fire Chief Maddie said outfitting costs average $15,882 per firefighter.
The West Palm Beach City Commission voted to appropriate $982,000 to support an EMS transport-rescue truck, uniforms and bunker gear connected to 17 firefighter positions funded by a FEMA SAFER grant.
Chief Maddie told the commission the SAFER grant covers salary and benefits only and does not include equipment. The resolution (No. 45NASH26F) authorized use of $712,000 from general fund contingency and $270,000 from the fire assessment fund to cover the truck and personal protective equipment. Chief Maddie said equipment and gear costs break down to about $15,882 per firefighter and reported that the delivery time for a custom-built transport-rescue truck is currently 18 to 20 months.
Commissioners praised staff for securing the grant and agreed the appropriation was necessary to put additional transport capacity and personnel into service. The motion to approve the appropriation carried unanimously.
The equipment purchase and the additional staffed rescue apparatus are intended to reduce reliance on older high-mileage reserve units, maintain response capacity in the downtown area and outfit new SAFER-funded positions with required turnout gear.
