Alton selectmen approve up to $45,000 from capital reserve for firefighter turnout gear

The Alton Board of Selectmen approved a request on Jan. 27 to expend up to $45,000 from the fire department’s capital reserve to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) including jackets, pants, boots and hoods to outfit current and incoming firefighters.

The fire chief (speaker 7) presented a capital-improvement request explaining some structural turnout gear will reach NFPA-recommended lifespan and that several newer employees require different sizes. The chief asked for authority to proceed now because of manufacturer lead times and requested the board authorize expenditures not to exceed $45,000 from the capital reserve with the chief as the authorized agent.

Board members asked about per-person costs, possible alternative vendors and how many sets would be purchased; the chief said the immediate need was about six full sets and some ancillary items (boots and particulate hoods), and that alternatives such as Lion apparel had been evaluated for lower cost and faster delivery.

A motion to approve the chief’s request using the capital reserve—with a not-to-exceed cap of $45,000 and the chief as agent to expend—carried with multiple aye votes and one dissenting vote. The board clarified the source of funds was the fire department capital reserve.