Phillips 66 wishes to donate $44,000 to the Billings Police Department to obtain equipment crucial for the implementation of a RESCUE TASK FORCE (RTF) program. The RTF is a program in the process of being implemented jointly by the Billings Police Department (BPD) and Billings Fire Department (BFD).

The RTF program is specifically designed to enhance the BPD and BFD response to Active Shooter / Hybrid Targeted Violence (HTV) incidents, such as a complex coordinated terrorist attack. These attacks often result in mass casualties of civilians in the community and stress the resources and capabilities of local agencies.

This money would purchase of three (3) complete sets of body armor and two (2) complete medical kits to be placed on all seven (7) of the BFD’s engine companies. This strategic deployment would allow the kits to be placed around the city and in a full response incident would allow for the immediate treatment and evacuation of up to seventy (70) casualties. Additional, medical supplies will be available for treatment of further casualties.

It is important the BFD is equipped appropriately to protect their personnel while operating in a dangerous and evolving situation.

The City Council may:

• Approve the donation in the amount of $44,000 from Phillips 66; or
• Not Approve the donation in the amount of $44,000 from Phillips 66 and the BPD will not purchase the needed rescue task force equipment.

There is no direct financial impact if the Council accepts the donation.

Staff recommends that the City Council accept the donation from Phillips 66 in the amount of forty-four thousand dollars ($44,000).