Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-133 authorizing the purchase of firefighter bunker gear from Casco Industries, Inc. through the City’s cooperative purchasing agreement with BuyBoard for an amount not to exceed $140,400; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Fire Department
BACKGROUND:
Providing firefighters with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to ensuring their safety, operational readiness, and ability to effectively respond to emergencies. Bunker gear serves as a critical layer of protection for Fire Department personnel, helping safeguard against extreme heat, flames, and other hazards encountered during firefighting operations. Regular replacement and maintenance of bunker gear are necessary to ensure equipment remains in compliance with applicable safety standards and continues to provide reliable protection throughout its service life.
In FY 2026-2027, the Fire Department budgeted $140,400 to purchase, replace, clean, repair, and inspect bunker gear. This amount covers end-of-life bunker gear sets, including helmets, jackets, gloves, pants, and boots, as well as outfitting new firefighters to replace those retiring or resigning. The total accounts for an anticipated increase of up to 10% from the vendor, effective in November 2026.
As part of the Fire Department’s bunker gear replacement program, the Fire Department is due to replace gear according to the “National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1850 Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting” in FY 2026-2027. Timely replacement of bunker gear also reduces the risk of equipment failure, supports firefighter health and safety, and maintains operational readiness.
This purchase would be made through the City’s cooperative purchasing agreement with the Local Government Purchasing Cooperative (BuyBoard), with Casco as a sole-source provider.
DISCUSSION:
Council will discuss approving Resolution N...
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