Article Summary: The Beecher Fire Protection District will purchase new turnout gear and helmets for its firefighters after the Board of Trustees unanimously approved two proposals totaling more than $91,000. The investment in critical protective equipment, which appears to be supported by a federal FEMA grant, is essential for maintaining firefighter safety standards.

New Firefighter Gear Purchase Key Points:

• The board approved a proposal from MES for new turnout gear at a cost of $82,382.01.

• A separate proposal from Air One for new helmets was approved for $8,856.00.

• The purchase is connected to a FEMA grant (EMW-2023-FG-05113) aimed at funding such equipment.

• The full Board of Trustees was present and voted unanimously to approve both purchases.

BEECHER, IL – Firefighters in the Beecher Fire Protection District will soon be equipped with new, state-of-the-art protective equipment after the Board of Trustees unanimously approved more than $91,000 in spending on turnout gear and helmets at its meeting on Thursday.

In two separate motions, the board authorized the major safety expenditures. The first, made by Trustee Bruce Becker and seconded by Trustee Lyle Siefker, approved an $82,382.01 proposal from MES for the purchase of turnout gear, which includes the coats and pants firefighters wear to protect themselves from extreme heat and flames.

The second motion, made by Trustee Mike Waterman and seconded by Trustee Dave Kolosh, approved an $8,856.00 proposal from Air One for new helmets.

Both purchases passed with a unanimous 5-0 roll call vote. Board President Margie Cook and all four trustees—Becker, Kolosh, Siefker, and Waterman—were present for the meeting.

The significant investment is being supported by federal funds. The meeting agenda linked the turnout gear purchase to a specific FEMA grant, identified as EMW-2023-FG-05113, designed to help fire departments afford essential equipment. In his report, Fire Chief Joe Falaschetti also provided a general update on the status of various grants the district has applied for, including those from FEMA and SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response).

Turnout gear has a limited service life, typically around 10 years, as defined by national safety standards. Departments must regularly replace gear to ensure it is not compromised by wear, tear, and exposure to hazardous materials, which can degrade its protective qualities over time.

Assistant Fire Chief Tim McGannon also gave a report providing an update on the district’s turnout gear, indicating the purchase was a key part of the department’s equipment management plan.