Fire district approves $497,254.80 to replace bunker gear after contamination concern

Sedgwick County Fire District No. 1 on a unanimous vote approved establishing $497,254.80 in budget authority from the Fire District Special Equipment Fund to purchase new firefighter bunker (structural) gear.

“Doug Williams, fire chief. The 497,000 out of our special equipment fund is to buy all new, protective clothing, firefighting, bunker gear protective clothing for all of our staff,” Chief Doug Williams told commissioners as he explained the request. Williams said the department chose to purchase replacement sets for all staff after tests identified PFAS in older-style gear and the department concluded an incremental replacement would leave many firefighters wearing contaminated equipment.

Williams said the department historically purchased a limited number of sets each year under contract but opted to use the equipment fund to make a full purchase now rather than leave approximately 125 firefighters in older gear. Commissioners signaled support for the request; Chairman Beatty moved to establish the budget authority and the clerk recorded unanimous 'Aye' votes from Commissioners Bluebaugh, Weiss, Howe, Meitzner and Chairman Beatty.

The purchase will be paid from the Fire District Special Equipment Fund, a spending source the chair and finance staff indicated is designed for this type of equipment replacement. Commissioners said the move was intended to protect firefighter safety and reduce long-term replacement costs.