Battalion Chief Richard Cook wins board approval for Lion V Force glove contract

Battalion Chief Richard Cook of the Indianapolis Fire Department asked the Office of Public Health and Safety board on June 3 to approve a two-year contract, not to exceed $200,000, with Fire Acquisition Company LLC (formerly Phoenix Outfitters) to supply the Lion V Force firefighter glove. "I come before you today to seek approval for a contract for both of these styles of fire gloves," Cook said, describing a wear trial that screened eight glove types.

Cook told the board the Lion V Force offers greater dexterity and fingertip sensitivity that helps firefighters handle hoses and small tools. He said the selection followed an "extensive wear trial" by a safety committee that recommended two models for department-wide use. Director Andrew Merkley moved the item to a vote; the motion was moved and seconded and the board adopted the item, with the transcript recording the item as approved although no named vote tally appears in the record.

The department noted the new model is similar to prior styles used by the department but emphasizes grip and feel. In his remarks Cook provided unit-price context, later noting typical current retail of roughly $110–$140 per pair and that gloves cost about $79 per pair eight years ago when he started running quartermaster. The contract term and vendor name were stated in the meeting record; contract execution details and procurement documents were not included in the transcript.