EDC approves up to $72,500 for Hollywood Park fire command vehicle

The Hollywood Park Economic Development Corporation approved up to $72,500 to purchase and outfit a fire command vehicle for the Hollywood Park Fire Department.

Fire Chief Burnside told the EDC the department is using a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe donated by the police department that has roughly 110,000 miles and about 499,000 "engine miles" when idle hours are converted; the vehicle lacks emergency markings and the specialized mobile command equipment needed for major incidents. Chief Burnside said outfitting the current Tahoe would cost roughly $18,000 but the vehicle's condition makes it unreliable for long-term use.

Chief Burnside described the command vehicle as a multi-purpose asset used for incident command (coordinating mutual aid and on-scene resources), fire marshal inspections in the commercial district and other department tasks. He told the board a purpose-built, marked vehicle would support safer, more effective incident management and can also be used as a backup first-response vehicle when needed.

Board members discussed budget timing, lifecycle expectations and the department's plan to create a multi-year capital program. Chief Burnside said the command vehicle is expected to last 10 years in this use-case, citing lower idle hours compared with patrol vehicles. The EDC chair confirmed the board had budgeted amounts for both vehicle requests and noted the decision will significantly draw on current reserves.

The motion to approve funding up to $72,500 for the command vehicle passed with all members voting in favor. Staff will proceed with procurement steps and return to the EDC for final authorization to disburse funds once vendor/invoice details are confirmed.