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Calvert County approves $4.54 million to replace firefighters’ breathing apparatus
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a budget amendment appropriating $4,541,000 to replace countywide self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), citing interoperability and firefighter safety; a resident speaker urged support for volunteers during the public hearing.
The Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a budget amendment that will appropriate $4,541,000 to replace self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for all county fire-rescue and EMS departments.
Fire-rescue staff told the board the replacement will align equipment with National Fire Protection Association standards and ensure interoperability across volunteer and career departments. Jim Richardson, division chief for Fire Rescue EMS, said the replacement is intended to make equipment "interchangeable" among neighboring stations so crews can work together safely during large incidents.
In virtual public comment, Joe Cormier said, "We need to be doing this for our volunteers who risk their lives ... so that all of their equipment is interchangeable and works together." Commissioners and staff discussed procurement timing; Calvert County Fire Chief Michael Clark said delivery is typically "90 days from the day we order." Staff also noted they realigned existing budget items to fund the project rather than adding $4.5 million to the expense column.
Commissioner [mover] moved to close the record and adopt budget amendment BA2025-000002 to appropriate $4,541,000 to CIP 00320 for SCBA replacement; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
Votes at a glance (other actions taken this meeting): - Agenda approved (voice vote) - Multiple board appointments/reappointments approved as presented (voice votes) - Consent agenda items adopted, including ERC bylaw amendments, flood mitigation plan and an ARPA stormwater/septic project (voice vote) - Declaration of intent to reimburse the general fund from proceeds of tax-exempt bonds was adopted (voice vote) - The county authorized submission and acceptance of a FY25 long-term care and dementia navigation grant ($20,810) and adopted the associated budget adjustment (voice vote)
The adopted SCBA appropriation will be assigned CIP 00320 and budget adjustment BA2025-000002; staff said they expect equipment lead times of roughly three months from order, though procurement and bidding steps will affect scheduling.
