Politics & Government
Maplewood Firefighters Will Breathe Easier
Maplewood City Council approved the purchase of 12 new self contained breathing apparatuses.
When Maplewood firefighters enter a smoke-filled building, they wear a self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which delivers breathable air.
The has 12 SCBA units, and two of those failed the recent annual certification test. As a result, the department is replacing all of its SCBA units.
At its meeting last Tuesday, Maplewood City Council approved the $70,969 purchase.
Maplewood is partnering with Richmond Heights and Clayton to take advantage of a volume purchase. Two representatives from each department met four times to review two bids received by the cities, and to evaluate the equipment from each company.
They chose the Scott brand from Franco Fire Equipment in Arnold. Scott equipment is highly respected by firefighters, and the equipment has a three-year warrantee. The other equipment considered had a one-year warrantee.