Montgomery County commissioners approved the purchase of 14 complete sets of firefighter turnout gear from W.S. Darley for $52,851.48 during their regular meeting.

The recommendation came from a county staff member, Michael (staff member), who said he solicited bids from seven or eight vendors and received five responses. "The company that we would like to go with is WS Darley. And that amount is $52,851.48," Michael told the commissioners. He said two bids were disqualified because they did not include a complete set (coat, trousers, helmet, gloves, boots and hood).

The commission's nut graf: the purchase replaces aging gear and aligns with existing equipment and training. Michael said the selected FireDex-brand gear matches the department's existing sets and includes a one-year warranty for garments and a two-year warranty for helmets. He also stated the gear meets NFPA 1971 standards and will bear the manufacturer's identification and Underwriters Laboratories classification mark.

In discussion, staff and commissioners reviewed options and specifications. Michael said the awarded package includes 14 coats, 14 pairs of pants, 14 Chieftain 911 helmets, 14 ProTech 8 Fusion glove sets, 14 Majestic Halo C6 hoods and 16 pairs of Hellfire felt-lined boots; freight was estimated at $585. He recommended avoiding the lowest-cost bids because those vendors omitted required items (one bid omitted helmets; another quoted only jacket and trousers).

Commissioner Beaver, Commissioner Cordray and Commissioner Klubine voted in favor when the motion to approve was called; the motion passed unanimously. No public comment or formal amendments to the purchase were recorded.

The purchase was presented as a capital/operating expenditure with funds available in the department account, according to Michael. Commissioners asked staff to confirm funding availability and longevity; Michael said NFPA guidance indicates turnout gear should be replaced about every 10 years unless damaged, and the department has funds to proceed.

The county will proceed with the vendor contract and delivery logistics; no further county action was recorded beyond the vote.