Board approves $20,614 purchase of wildland bunker gear for Paola fire volunteers

Mark Whalen, rural fire coordinator, presented a request from the Paola station (Rural Fire District 1) to purchase 13 sets of wildland bunker gear including helmets and boots. "The Palo station has made a request to purchase 13 sets of wildland bunker gear including helmets and boots for other members," Whalen said, noting the gear reduces heat stress and injuries during extended grass-fire responses.

Whalen said eight sets would outfit new volunteers and four sets would replace staff gear that no longer fits, and that parts of the purchase would come from Conrad Fire Equipment (Olathe) with certain items from Weiss (Celina). The quoted total purchase price is $20,614; staff noted budget lines and capital funds are available to cover the purchase. The commission approved the purchase unanimously.

Whalen said the last gear purchase occurred in 2021 and explained that some manufacturers have sole authorized dealers, limiting the vendor pool. Commissioners moved and seconded the authorization; no additional conditions were placed on the purchase.