Polk County fire chiefs press for pump repairs, new SCBAs and turnout gear

Two Polk County fire leaders told commissioners the county’s firefighting equipment needs warrant additional budget support.

The Copper Basin fire chief (who self‑identified as Major) said three pump units failed drafting certification and recommended about $16,000 to complete identified repairs and get the pumps recertified. "That dollar amount, that increase there, that's what that increases for is those three items that didn't get resolved last year," he said, describing the pump failures and the drafting concern that could indicate larger mechanical problems.

He also flagged aging SCBAs (air packs) purchased used four years earlier that are approaching or past recommended service life and described a $48,000–$51,000 award that bought replacement bottles but not full SCBA units. He told commissioners an air-cascade fill system would reduce reliance on neighboring counties to refill bottles and would improve operational readiness.

Keith Jess, the east/west fire chief, said his department’s budget request rose from roughly $126,000 last year to about $136,000 this year to cover higher prices (foam and parts) and equipment needs. He reported SCBA quotes: "the original quote ... was $11,200 per pack. Since then, they've gone up to $12,850 a pack," and said the department is applying for a federal assistance grant to cover match costs.

Both chiefs described shortages of certified turnout gear; the Copper Basin chief said five interior firefighters currently lack compliant gear and recommended one‑time fund uses (for example, from fund balance or surplus proceeds) to avoid adding recurring budget pressure.

What happens next: commissioners said they would consider one‑time purchases (for pumps, turnout gear or a tanker) through fund‑balance or dedicated surplus accounts and requested further cost details and procurement paths.