The fire department is in the second year of implementing our second set of turnout gear program.  Firefighting turnout gear is used on a daily basis in many applications including structural firefighting, auto extrications, EMS calls, training, technical rescue calls, and etc.  During use, the gear is exposed to many known cancer-causing chemicals.  It is necessary to clean the turnout gear after exposure to these chemicals. The Fire Department can launder the gear but there is a need to outfit personnel during this process requiring a second set of turnout gear.  Our current gear contains a chemical known as per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings which is a product that resists heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. PFAS is a known cancer-causing chemical. The new firefighting turnout gear will not contain PFAS. The Fire Department is committed to protecting its members from exposure to cancer causing agents and this purchase will help the Fire Department accomplish this.

W.S Darley & CO is the current supplier of turnout gear for the Fire Department.  W.S Darley & CO has the sole rights by Honeywell to sell to the Arlington Heights Fire Department.

Funds are available to purchase 16 sets of gear.  The price for a set of Firefighter turnout gear is $3,500 for a total of $56,000.

Funding for this purchase is available in the Capital Projects Fund Account No. 401-3501-572.50-15 in the amount of $60,000     

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Village Board waive competitive bidding requirements and authorize the purchase of Honeywell Morning Pride turnout gear form W.S Darley & CO. in the amount of $56,000