DEPARTMENT: Finance
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Troy Elliott
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
San Antonio Fire Department Ballistic Gear
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance accepts the offer from Safety Supply, Inc. for the purchase of ballistic response equipment for the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) for a total cost of $136,498.50. Funding is available from the FY 2019 General Fund Budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This contract will provide the SAFD with the ballistic equipment needed to respond to single and multiple hostile incidents in the event of catastrophic or terrorist incidents. The SAFD is revamping their entire approach to emergency service delivery by making preparations to provide the highest level possible of emergency medical care for the community and its residents during active shooter, complex coordinated attacks, and asymmetric warfare incidents. These innovations require ballistic protection for the medics and personnel who will be at risk while in the performance of their duties.
With the number of mass shootings continuing to rise nationwide, including Texas localities, there is a need for first responders to be properly equipped with ballistic response equipment in order to engage active shooters during these types of incidents. SAFD has determined new requirements for updated response strategies, enhanced protection and innovative tactics to protect medics and firefighters during hostile incidents.
This equipment will be utilized by all first responders assigned to a Rescue Task Force composed of Firefighters, EMS, Incident Commanders from all Ladder Companies, Technical Rescue teams, and Force Protection, which is composed of Arson Bureau.
The Rescue Task Force will receive "Active Threat Integrated Response" training from SAPD SWAT which is tactical response and tactics, tactical medicine, and weapons familiarization.
This purchase is being made in accordance with the State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Agre...
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