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DeKalb committee ratifies purchase of lightweight firefighter protection gear
Summary
The IRPS committee approved ratifying a Sourcewell contract to purchase 65 tri‑certified Viking lightweight shield gear sets for county firefighters after a vendor price increase prompted early purchase; the item was approved by voice vote.
The DeKalb County Internal Resources and Public Safety (IRPS) Committee on Tuesday ratified a purchase order for specialized lightweight protective gear for firefighters, citing a vendor price increase that threatened previously negotiated savings.
Chair Ladina Bolton said the request would ratify purchase order No. 5058768 under Sourcewell contract No. 10424‑BKN for 65 tri‑certified Viking shield gear, awarded to Viking Life Saving Equipment through Central Alabama Training Solutions. “This request seeks to ratify purchase order number 5058768 for the purchase of 65 tri certified Viking shield gear to be used by firefighters throughout the county,” she said.
Fire Rescue leadership explained the equipment is lighter than structural turnout gear and is intended for use in high‑heat operations when structural gear is not required. “It does help a lot with the, heat, heat exhaustion, and things of that nature, but it still gives us protection from things such as blood borne pathogens,” the department chief said.
Staff told the committee the vendor raised prices after December 31, creating a roughly $10,000 difference; by committing to the order before the increase the county preserved the lower rate. The agenda packet listed a not‑to‑exceed amount of $1,110,175 for the order.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about the cooperative contract and why the item was presented as a ratification. County staff explained the item was initially drafted as a cooperative purchase but converted to a ratification to lock in savings when pricing changed.
A motion to approve the item was made and seconded and the committee voted in favor. The chair congratulated the fire department on the purchase.
The committee did not record individual roll‑call votes in the transcript; the item carried by voice vote. The county will proceed with the purchase and delivery as authorized by the ratification vote.
