Staff Report
City Council
Item No. {{section.number}}.L
Meeting Date: June 25, 2025
From: Michael Contreras, Fire Chief
Title: Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Compressor Replacement
RECOMMENDATION:
To authorize the purchase and installation of two new Arctic SCBA compressor systems one at Station 1 and one at Station 2, for a combined total of $177,548.90. This investment is essential to maintaining firefighter safety, reducing operational risk, and supporting the department’s long-term readiness.
BACKGROUND:
Cathedral City Fire & EMS utilizes SCBA compressors to refill air cylinders that supply breathable air for personnel operating in immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) environments. The department’s current primary compressor, a 1997 Mako BAC07H located at Station 2, is over 27 years old. It is no longer supported by the manufacturer, experiences frequent downtime, and lacks the operational efficiencies of modern units.
In the FY 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 biennial budget, these apparatuses were identifed to be in the Equipment Replacement Fund (611). A quote was secured for a new Arctic Compressor system for Fire Station 2 (412) totaling $91,885.24, including removal of the old unit and installation. A second quote for a nearly identical Arctic Compressor system to be installed at Fire Station 1 (411) totals $85,663.66.
Both purchases include all components, installation, training, and 5-year extended warranties. Purchase will be funded out of the equipment replacement fund.
DISCUSSION:
As a safety-critical asset, the compressor must provide clean, high-pressure breathable air consistently and without delay. Operating without a reliable system presents the following operational and safety issues:
Risk Management and Safety Compliance
The department’s existing SCBA compressor systems are equipped with outdated filtration and monitoring technology, which increases the risk of contaminant exposure to personnel.
In contrast, modern compressor units are compliant with current NFPA standards and feature enhanced safety components, including advanced carbon monoxide monitoring and automatic air quality controls. When our current system is offline due to repair needs or maintenance delays, the department must rely on mutual aid partners such as Palm Springs and Cal Fire. This dependency introduces operational delays and elevates the risk to firefighter safety during emergency incidents, particularly when operating in IDLH environments.
Operational Reliability and Redundancy
Installing one compressor at each of the department’s two busiest stations Station 1 and Station 2 ensures consistent operational reliability and provides critical redundancy across our coverage area. Should a compressor at one location fail or require servicing, the second unit will serve as a backup to maintain uninterrupted SCBA bottle refilling capability. This redundancy is increasingly important given the department’s significant growth in staffing and call volume since 1997. Additionally, distributed compressor coverage enhances operational flexibility and readiness across geographic zones.
Efficiency and Cost Containment
The department currently expends approximately $5,000 annually on maintenance and air testing for the aging compressor system. The new systems are projected to reduce these expenses by nearly half, offering faster fill rates, reduced electrical consumption, and quieter operation—leading to lower utility costs and a safer workplace environment. Furthermore, with the addition of new SCBA bottles that require semiannual functional capacity testing, the demand for compressed air has increased. This, coupled with a higher number of personnel and expanded training requirements, justifies the need for two operational compressors to meet the department’s evolving service demands.
Service Life and Strategic Investment
Each of the new compressors is designed to provide at least 25 to 30 years of dependable service, aligning with the department’s capital replacement schedule and long-term asset planning strategy. Procuring and installing both units simultaneously will mitigate future delays in procurement and allow the department to leverage vendor consistency for support, training, and warranty services. This approach supports both fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency, making it a sound strategic investment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
DESCRIPTION GENERAL
LEDGER
ACCOUNT
CODES
PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME or
ONGOING
2024-2025 SBCA Compressors 611-000-000-
000-8800-8801 N/A 177,548.90 One-time
2024-2025 SBCA Compressors 100-300-330-
332-9300-9XXX N/A 177,548.90 One-time
2024-2025 SBCA Compressors 611-300-330-
332-7300-7XXX N/A (177,548.90) One-time
2024-2025 Total $177,548.90
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal E – Safety
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Fire Station 1 Compressor Invoice
2. Fire Station 2 Compressor Quote