City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  August 21, 2007

Item No.:        

Recommendation:  That the Common Council approve the purchase of 52 sets of fire turn-out gear from Paul Conway Shields, Inc. in the amount of $98,424.04.

Background:  This request for fire turnout gear is a Capital Improvement budgeted item. It has been seven years since the last bulk purchase and the current turnout gear is in need of replacement.  Turn-out gear typically last 4 to 5 years but due to our progressive maintenance program we’ve been able to utilize it for a few extra years.

Fire turnout gear is the first line of defense for the fire fighter against the heat and by-products of fire, and one of the most important tools a firefighter can be equipped with.  Our Fire Department’s ability to protect our citizens and their property from the devastation of fire depends on a quick aggressive interior fire attack. To accomplish this task fire fighters need the best protective gear available. Oak Creek Fire Fighters are required to perform several physically demanding tasks at fire and rescue scenes. With the modern advancements in turnout gear technology we are able to equip our firefighters in an ergonomic, lightweight, breathable set of gear that also offers a higher temperature rating against thermal burns.

The Fire Department has done extensive research on turnout gear and its components.  We have field-tested 4 different sets of turnout gear, and have gathered information and data from other fire departments.

During this process we have looked into 7 different outer shell materials, 3 different moisture barriers and 7 thermal lining systems.  We have determined which materials will give us the best protection, performance and durability. We then researched which manufacturer provides the best protection, fit, mobility, and comfort.

All of the gear manufacturers offered a quality set of turnout gear with similar material and components, however, one manufacturers gear stood clear.  This is the area in which Cairns Reaxtion Fire Gear, distributed by Paul Conway Shields out performs all the others. Cairns offers many patented features not available from any other gear manufacturer. The gear we tested was lighter, cooler, and also allowed for greater mobility and comfort.

Cairns Reaxtion gear utilizes the outer shell that we have selected. This outer shell is the only material that offers a 5 year warranty against rips and tears. They also offer fire fighters mobility and protection that is superior to its competitors.  Cairns Reaxtion gear meets or exceeds the revised 2007 NFPA standard 1971 and OSHA standard for structural fire fighter’s protective clothing.  Cairns Reaxtion is price competitive, and has added features that make it a better choice for our members.

This brand of turnout gear offers features that are unavailable from any other manufacturer. Because of the importance of turnout gear to the safety of fire fighters, and the potential for this gear to increase fire fighter mobility and reduce injuries, we request approval to purchase this equipment under Section 4.1 of the City Purchasing Manual for Sole Source purchasing.

Fiscal Impact:  Funds of $98,424.04 for this purchase will come from the 2007 Capital Improvement budget.  The additional money left in this account will be used to outfit fire fighters with the additional equipment and clothing necessary to safely and efficiently perform their job. The additional equipment includes turnout boots, structural fire fighting gloves, belt to hold equipment, flashlight, extrication gloves, H back suspenders, fire fighting hood, and gear bag.

Prepared by: Thomas Jonson Fire Lieutenant	Respectfully submitted, Patrick DeGrave City Administrator
Approved by: Brian M. Satula Fire Chief
Fiscal Review by: Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk