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Macomb chief urges prompt purchase of new SCBAs as NFPA deadline nears
Summary
The fire chief told the committee 11 SCBA packs budgeted for replacement are available at a discount and outlined a larger $254,820 quote for 30 new Airboss packs to meet updated NFPA standards; council referred the matter to the public safety committee and later voted to enter executive session on unrelated personnel/litigation matters.
Macomb’s fire chief told the Committee of the Whole that the department needs to move quickly to replace aging self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) after a recent National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard change created an 18-month replacement window for packs manufactured under the 2007 standard.
“Any pack that was built under the 2007 standard had to be replaced within 18 months of the passing of that NFPA standard. That puts us at March of 2027,” the chief said, describing packs bought in 2014 that are now out of compliance. The chief asked the council to approve purchase of 11 SCBA packs already budgeted at roughly $66,000 so the department could take advantage of a manufacturer promotion and to begin work on financing 30 new “Airboss” packs under the 2025 standard.
The chief said the 30-pack quote in the packet is $254,820 and noted a manufacturer promotion on replacement cylinders that could reduce cost; he told council the vendor’s buy-one-get-one bottle offer expires June 30. He also explained compatibility problems: the department’s current packs and face masks are not compatible with newer equipment, requiring replacement of multiple components.
Staff said the 11 packs were included in this year’s budget and would be purchased if council approves, while the larger purchase would be evaluated for financing and potentially routed through the public safety committee. The chief noted potential grant avenues such as the Assistance for Firefighters Grant (AFG) but flagged timetable uncertainty for awards and vendor price increases.
After the SCBA discussion the committee voted in open session to enter an executive session to consider collective bargaining, probable litigation and personnel matters; the roll call vote carried.
