Keeping firefighters safe isn’t cheap. In Blaine County, the nine fire departments and EMTs are supported by a quartercent sales tax. Set in 2012 to run for 10 years, the measure was reapproved in February 2023 and beginning in January 2024, was made indefinite, meaning it will continue until it is discontinued.
So where does the money go? During the December 23 meeting of the county commissioners, new turnout gear was approved for the Greenfield Fire Department. Fire chief Chad Scheihing said that the department has added five new firemen – the whole department is male at this time – and also had to replace worn out or damaged equipment.
The total cost was more than $30,000. The breakout shows five helmets at $305 each; six full face masks at $170 each; 30 replacement filters at $16 each; six lighting facemask bags at $32 each; and 10 rechargeable flashlights at $165 each. Also included were seven sets of Firedex gloves at $130 each and two pairs of Firedex boots at $445 each. The largest expense on the list was five bunker coats at slightly over $2000 each.
Also purchased were five pairs of bunker pants at $1,425 each, five interceptor coats at $355 each; five additional interceptor coats at $360 each; five interceptor hoods at $99 each; one interceptor package jacket at $570 and two pairs of Firedex pants at $575 each.
Scheihing noted that there were also three hoses at $160 each on the list. Those also wear out from being dragged across rough ground and general use.
“We just have to thank the citizens,” he said. “It’s their money and without it we couldn’t do anything. When there are big (fire) events they get taken care of because we have what we need to work with.”
Commissioner Darryl Hicks made the motion to approve the request. Greenfield lies in his district. Tracy Matli seconded the motion, and all three commissioners voted to support the measure.
Scheihing said the equipment could take up to 16 weeks to arrive from Banner Fire Equipment Inc.