Agenda

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Consent

Brentwood City Commission Agenda

Meeting Date:	07/09/2018
Approval to Purchase Ballistic Protection for the Fire & Rescue Department
Submitted by:	Brian Goss, Fire & Rescue
Department:	Fire & Rescue

Information

Subject

Approval to Purchase Ballistic Protection for the Fire & Rescue Department.

Background

As public safety response evolves to meet ever-changing potential risks and hazards, properly training and equipping our first responders is paramount. Responses involving active shooters and other hostile situations have grown exponentially across the nation in recent years. As far back as 2014, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officially recommended that all fire and EMS personnel across the United States be provided with ballistic protection in order to protect our responders and enhance life-saving efforts during an active shooter situation or other potentially violent event.

In 2017 the International Association of Fire Chiefs began researching practical levels of protection for firefighters and first responders, and in April of 2018 the National Fire Protection Association released NFPA 3000: Standard for an Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER) Program in which a minimum of Level III-A ballistic protection was recommended for all first responders.

In an effort to provide our personnel with the highest practical level of protection possible while maintaining continuity throughout Williamson County, the Brentwood Fire & Rescue Department began meeting with the Franklin Fire Department, Williamson County EMS, and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department in June of 2016. After much discussion and evaluation, it was determined that the Enforcer Plate Carrier (vest) with front, back, and side plates coupled with the MICH Mid-Cut ballistic helmet provided the highest level of protection while still enabling the wearer to perform tasks effectively. This equipment provides Level III protection which exceeds NFPA 3000 recommendations.

Upon performing price comparisons, it was determined that purchasing through the U.S. Communities Purchasing Cooperative, of which both Franklin and Brentwood are members, provided the greatest savings while ensuring uniformity throughout the County. Williamson County EMS and Williamson Emergency Management Agency are preparing to purchase from this source as well.

It was also determined by each agency that sufficient protective gear would be purchased to equip each staffed seating position during a given shift, in addition to command staff that would be expected to respond to an ASHER incident. For Brentwood, this equates to 25 sets of gear to include 25 helmets, 25 plate carrier vests, 25 chest plates, 25 back plates, and 50 side plates as well as identification panels and carry bags. The total cost for this equipment as quoted is $21,964.00. Details of the quote can be found in the attached document from Safeware through U.S. Communities. This amount was included in the Equipment line item in the fire & rescue department’s FY 2019 Operating Budget. If approved, the department anticipates ordering this equipment immediately and having it in place within 30 days.

Please contact the fire chief with any questions you may have.

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends approval to purchase ballistic vests, helmets, and accessories through the U.S. Communities Purchasing Cooperative at a cost of $21,964.00.

Fiscal Impact

Amount :	$21,964.00
Source of Funds:	General Fund
Account Number:	110-42200-89530

Fiscal Impact:

The total cost of the gear is $21,964.00. Funds are available in the Fire & Rescue operating budget for this purpose.

Attachments
Plate Carrier Vest
Ballistic Helmet
Safeware Quote
Rescue Panel
Signed Quote