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POLICY PROPOSAL
DATE FILE NUMBER SUBJECT Fire Protective Clothing PAGE 1 OF 2
12 29/75 CP-8
PROPOSAL PROPOSED BY: CITY MANAGER' R VIEW
° Woodie W. Woods
On several occasions the Fort Worth Fire Fighters have requested that the City pur-
chase new modern protective equipment for their use. For various reasons this
request has not been approved in the past. I propose that we buy this new equipment,
replacing the old out-of-date equipment, before a Fort Worth fireman is injured or
killed as a result of using inadequate protective clothing.
New bunker coats are available which are vastly superior to the coat currently being
used by our fire personnel. The new modern coats are made of a lighter weight
material which also provides better reflective and fire resistant qualities.
New helmets are also available which provide superior protection from impact and are
designed to be worn with fresh-air mask. The helmet presently being used does not
fit well when an air mask is being used and consequently frequently falls off when
personnel are fighting fires.
The overall weight of the protective equipment and gear currently being used is
approximately 60-65 pounds. This added weight and the heat encountered when fighting
a fire produces rapid fatigue. The new equipment, in addition to its improved
design and protective qualities is much lighter.
Estimates indicate the City could purchase all fire fighting personnel new bunker
coats and helmets for approximately $70,000. I feel this one-time purchase to upgrade
the protection provided our fire fighters is definitely warranted and should be made
from our reserves.
Legality
No legal issue.
Fiscal Note
The existing City policy on uniforms and protective clothing and equipment for
both Fire and Police officers provides for the City to supply a complete issue of
such clothing and equipment upon completion of training at the Academy, and then
to pay an annual $100 clothing allowance to replace worn out items. Items torn or
damaged while "on-duty" are also replaced at City expense. Replacement items pur-
chased by the officers from their clothing allowance must meet standards and speci-
fications established by the respective departments.
LEGALITY (0.
FISCAL NOTE
CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS ® '
PAGE_,_,OF
POLICY PROPOSAL (cont'd)
City specifications have been recently revised to allow fire officers to purchase
the new style bunker coats from funds provided in their clothing allowance if
they so desire. Purchase of a new helmet and bunker coat would represent a
significant expense to each fire officer and would exceed one year's clothing
allowance.
i
There are sufficient funds in the reserves to fund this non-recurring type expense.
City Manager's Comments
Purchase of these items has been previously recommended during consideration of the
1975-76 Budget. While current policy calls for the fire fighters to pay this
expense, a one-time waiver of this policy is believed to be justified by the cost
and increased protection of the new equipment that is now available.
Woodie W. Woods, Councilman �t
LLtTS� OF FORT WORTS,ECT J(ATTM OF TEXAS
THIS it, db'CC.
TO THE CITY cocaiiL
City Secretary
CITY OF FORT WORTH