(KLZA)-- The Falls City Volunteer Fire Department needs to update their Self Contained Breathing Apparatus equipment.
Some of the current air packs date back to the early 90's making it not only expensive to maintain, but also hard to find repair parts for them.
Department Information Officer Jon McQueen addressed the issue with the City Council last week. He noted that while the Department budget allows $20-thousand for equipment, the cost for the new SCBA's would be $60-thousand. Standard codes are updated every couple of years to make sure equipment meets safety standards.
McQueen said new packs are also designed to be lighter, causing less fatigue on fire fighters. The new packs are about 10 pounds lighter and are designed to more evenly distribute the weight on the fire fighter.
The veteran Falls City firefighter said grants for equipment are very competitive with the opportunities to apply opening and closing in short order.
To purchase six air packs with an six extra air bottles the cost would be $52-thousand, to include 12 extra bottles the cost would come to $60-thousand.
McQueen discussed borrowing funds from a local bank to purchase the new air packs and paying the loan back over several years from the annual equipment purchase fund.
The Council voted to table action on the request allowing a couple of weeks to research funding options and review grant options.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton man killed in Jackson Co crash
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
90 mph+ downburst winds blamed for Thursday damage
Wamego man sentenced in second fentanyl-related death
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Two arrested following Friday Jackson Co traffic stop
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
LATEST STORIES
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Atchison company earns energy grant; upgrades planned
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
April is Alcohol Awareness Month in Nebraska
MoDOT to discuss Holt County bridge projects
Sheriff's Office to take part in drug take back event
Council hears report from golf course
RELATED STORIES
City and County to discuss combined dispatch center
Waterfall project approved by Falls City Council
Falls City Council denies truck parking request
Falls City Council organizes for 2020
Falls City making progress on nuisance properties
Neighbors bring complaints to City Council
Falls City Council updated on park projects
Falls City utility rate increases gain first round approval