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Fire chief requests radios and replacement vehicle as city weighs fleet upgrades
Summary
The fire department asked for additional intrinsically safe radios (approx. $7,000 each) and a replacement vehicle; commissioners questioned turbo engines, maintenance history and resale plans for the replaced unit.
The fire chief outlined capital items in the department's five‑year plan, requesting three additional replacement radios and a new deputy‑chief vehicle. The radios were described as specialized, intrinsically safe units that cost substantially more than consumer handhelds.
"The radios are just gonna help us," the chief said, describing the need to outfit personnel and to ensure the city manager can communicate during major events. Commissioners questioned whether the quoted vehicle included turbocharged engines and whether alternative vendors or models could lower cost. Staff said the department plans to sell the replaced vehicle and expects resale values in the low‑to mid‑five figures.
Why it matters: outfitting first responders ensures operational readiness and interoperability during hurricanes and other emergencies; commissioners asked staff to explore alternate procurement options and to provide maintenance logs and resale timing for replaced assets.
