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Board approves FEMA‑funded SCBA replacement after comparing vendor quotes
Summary
Town accepted a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant covering roughly $232,216 and approved purchase of 23 air packs and spares after staff and fire personnel reviewed vendor quotes and interoperability considerations.
The town approved replacing self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) after staff detailed a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant and firefighters described operational needs.
Staff member (S3) said the town received a FEMA grant (EMV2023FG7450) for $232,216.19 toward new SCBA equipment; the town's share was listed at $11,016.81. Agency official (S6) explained that the department currently uses Scott units, some nearby departments use MSA, and parts availability and quick‑change bottle systems influenced pricing and interoperability concerns. "They're rated at 30 minutes," the agency official said of a standard bottle rating, describing how real‑world working time can vary.
Vendor quotes discussed in the meeting showed differences in pricing and features; staff presented options and recommended the purchase that matched the department's requirements for bottles, spare bottles and masks (23 air packs with spares, per staff description). Committee member (S7) moved to approve the recommended quote for the air packs using the FEMA grant funds; the motion was seconded and the board approved the purchase.
The purchase will replace the same quantity of packs issued in a prior round (2007) and includes spare bottles and masks for trucks. The town will receive sales tax refunds on the purchase as discussed during the meeting.
