Firefighters here will be getting some new, and better, boots.
On May 23 Mapleton council approved the purchase of 40 pairs of leather Globe firefighter footwear at a cost of $490 per pair from Dependable Fire Equipment.
The company’s bid was the lowest of three submitted in response to a request for quotations.
“Leather boots supply a level of comfort not found in the economy rubber footwear,” notes a report from Fire Chief Rick Richardson.
“Full-time firefighters have progressed to leather models and find that the longevity of this type of boot far outlasts the other types supplied. The economy of remaining with the current lowest cost boot available would be outweighed by the durability of the newer models. In most cases this leather style boot would outlast the volunteer firefighters career and would also serve as a station wear safety boot that we currently provide in addition to the rubber model.”
Richardson told council some local firefighters have paid the difference between leather and rubber boots out of their own pockets in order to upgrade.
“Staff believe that we owe our volunteer firefighters a quality pair of footwear in serving their community at emergency scenes such as fire calls, motor vehicle collisions, medical assistance, etc.,” the report states.
Richardson said he has been raising the issue for a few years “that our footwear is getting beat up pretty bad.” He noted the rubber boots are “leaky” and pointed out “for some people dealing with orthotics they are not a good mix either.”
Richardson said the higher quality boots “make a major difference on longer calls.”
“I don’t recall this being in our budget talks,” said councillor Lori Woodham, who suggested “if there isn’t an urgency” the matter be deferred to 2018.
Richardson’s report recommended the funds be drawn from “other capital” in the 2016 budget. He also pointed out revenue generated by the fire department for attending accidents and other calls was over budget this year.
“Some of our officers suggested maybe some of it could be put towards firefighters to update their equipment,” said Richardson.
Councillor Michael Martin pointed out, “You want to be careful with that conversation,” as despite the additional revenue in 2016, the fire department is “not a cost-neutral service.”
Martin said, “The boots themselves are considered a high-end industry standard as far as comfort goes … I’ve never worn a pair but from the guys I’ve spoken to that have worn them, it’s night and day.”
While stating, “I don’t necessarily have an issue per se with the purchase itself,” Martin wondered if the change to the new style of boot could be “phased in.”
“We talked about phasing them in,” Richardson replied. “We talked about doing it by seniority, but that might be the opposite of the effect that you want … people that have been around for a few years don’t do as much hands-on firefighting.”
Councillor Dennis Craven said, “We let our roads crew buy whatever kinds boots they want to make sure their feet are comfortable all day,. Why don’t we do same for our firefighters?”
A motion to defer a decision to 2018 budget deliberations was defeated, with Craven, councillor Marlene Ottens and Mayor Neil Driscoll opposed.
A resolution to approve the purchase was approved with only Woodham opposed.
