Request Council approval of the expenditure of FY2022 funds for the purchase of 2 sets of Red Zone particulate blocking firefighter turnout ensembles for all sworn personnel.

Approve expenditure of funds up to $692,600 to purchase remaining Red Zone particulate blocking firefighter turnout ensembles for all sworn personnel. (Paul Luizzi, Fire Chief)

The FY21-22 Fire Budget has an allocation of $692,600 for the procurement of the Red Zone particulate blocking firefighter ensembles.

Per City of Goodyear Resolution 08-1255, all expenditures of budgeted funds in excess of $500,000 must obtain Council approval.  During the FY20-21 Budget Supplemental process the purchase of the Red Zone turnout ensembles was originally approved and funded. The original budget supplemental included a phased purchase approach to occur over the course of three years beginning in FY2021. The first expenditure of $223,800 was made in FY20-21 for a portion of the Red Zone gear purchase.

The FY20-21 budget supplemental for Red Zone gear outlined a 3 year phased purchase approach.  However, through further budget discussions it was determined that there is funding and capacity to complete the procurement of the remaining 2 years of Red Zone gear in the current FY21-22 budget, which is in allocation of $692,600. 
 
The Red Zone product line offers the highest level of protection to the firefighter against hazardous particulates contained in smoke and soot.  The gear is designated to minimize the amount of dangerous particulates/carcinogens to reach the skin thus minimizing the risk exposure.  The gear has been certified to meet the standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1971, 2019 edition.