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Council approves purchase of 10 sets of firefighter bunker gear after chief warns many suits exceed NFPA lifespan
Summary
Council approved buying 10 sets of firefighter bunker gear from Delta Fire & Safety for $49,653 after the fire department said many current sets are more than 20 years old and exceed the National Fire Protection Association recommended service life.
The Ellsworth City Council approved the purchase of 10 complete sets of firefighter bunker gear from Delta Fire & Safety for $49,653 after a presentation from the department on current equipment needs.
The Fire chief told the council the department obtained a quote from Delta Fire (a Honeywell representative) for complete turnout sets that include pants, coats and liners, helmets, Nomex hoods, gloves, rescue straps and boots. He said the total for the 10 sets quoted is $49,653.30 and estimated delivery on some items would take about six to eight weeks after ordering. "I've got guys in gear that's in excess of 20 years old," he said, adding that some sets would not be allowed at a fire school because of condition.
Council members asked about service life and budget impacts. The Fire chief cited NFPA guidance and said the historical standard has been a 10-year service life for PPE; newer guidance discussed by some entities shortens that in certain cases to five years. He also explained that even unused protective clothing deteriorates over time and that the department has prioritized replacements for the oldest sets.
A council member moved to approve the purchase; the motion was seconded and the council took a voice vote. The motion passed with the affirmative voice vote recorded in the minutes.
The chief said the department's long-term goal is to equip up to 40 sets, but the current purchase will target the highest-priority replacements. He also noted the vendor will fit each firefighter to ensure sizing and that the department has an inventory (compiled by Russell) identifying which members hold the oldest gear.
The council did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; the approval was taken by voice vote. The council discussion noted prior attempts to purchase gear in earlier years and recognized budget constraints but prioritized volunteer safety in this purchase.
The council moved directly from this item to subsequent routine business after the vote.
