Staff recommends the appropriation of $50,000 in donation funds received from sPower Development Company, LLC for the purchase of ballistic vests for Fire/Rescue personnel.

A $50,000 donation was received by the Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management (FREMS) Department from sPower Development Company LLC for the purchase of ballistic vests for all FREMS first responders.  These funds will pay a portion of the total cost of the project.  We anticipate purchasing 140 vests at a cost of $600 each.  The total cost is expected to be $84,000, with sPower’s donation funding $50,000 and the $34,000 balance being funded by annual Virginia Department of Fire Programs – Aid to Localities funding.  Additional items/accessories, including rifle plates and helmets will also be purchased, but the quantities and prices have not been finalized at this point.  This will provide FREMS the opportunity to adequately equip its staff should the need arise during a mass casualty event.

Staff recommends that these funds be budgeted and appropriated to pay for the purchase of ballistic vests.  The life cycle of the vests is five years and annual Fire Programs – Aid to Localities funding will be used in the future for replacements.

If the donation funds are not appropriated to the Fire/Rescue operating budget, it will result in the depletion of funds from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs – Aid to Localities (ATL) funds which have been planned for other needed projects.