TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Philippe Eskandar, City Manager
BY: Mario Rueda, Fire Chief
DATE: September 9, 2026
SUBJECT: APPROVAL TO PURCHASE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT FROM MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IN
THE AMOUNT OF $54,620 THROUGH A COOPERATIVE
PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH SOURCEWELL
STRATEGIC PLAN CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
Fiscally Responsible and Transparent City Government
Safe Community
BACKGROUND
On May 29, 2026 the City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating and Capital Budget. As part of the approved Capital Budget, the City Council approved $55,000 for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE). This request included 10 sets of structural firefighting protective ensembles (turnout gear) and 38 particulate blocking firefighting hoods to replace aging and non-compliant equipment currently in service.
DISCUSSION
Structural firefighting PPE is essential equipment for firefighter response that protects firefighters from extreme heat, flames, smoke, chemicals, and physical hazards encountered during fire suppression operations. Properly fitted and compliant PPE provides critical protection that allows firefighters to safely perform their duties in hazardous environments. Maintaining PPE in conditions that meet applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards helps ensure firefighters are properly equipped and reduces safety risks when responding to emergencies.
Tony Chou, Mayor
Calvin Lo, Vice Mayor
Hunter Chang, Council Member
John Chou, Council Member
Gretchen Shepherd Romey, Council Member
The structural firefighting turnout gear requested consists of 10 turnout coats and 10 pairs of turnout pants. The department maintains two sets of turnout gear per firefighter, a frontline and a backup set, for a total of 38 sets. 10 of these sets have now exceeded their recommended service life and have been tagged as unfit for use by the Department’s third-party repair and maintenance provider.
The NFPA establishes personal protective equipment standards related to the purchase, maintenance and replacement of firefighter turnout gear. NFPA recommends that structural firefighting ensembles and ensemble elements be retired no more than 10 years from the date the ensembles or ensemble elements were manufactured.
As part of the NFPA’s 2025 update, standards for particulate blocking firefighting hoods were strengthened. The updated standard increases the particulate blocking requirements to 90 percent filtration, which the Department’s current hoods do not meet. To comply with the updated standard, the Department will replace all 38 particulate blocking hoods resulting in staff equipped with the most modern safety elements with which to conduct their responsibilities.
FISCAL IMPACT & PROCUREMENT REVIEW
The San Marino City Council approved $55,000 as part of the Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 Operating and Capital Budget for the purchase of firefighter safety equipment. The total cost of 10 turnout ensembles consisting of 10 coats, 10 pants, and 10 hoods, along with an additional 28 particulate blocking hoods, is $54,620.07.
Municipal Emergency Services (MES) is the sole licensed distributor of the Honeywell turnout gear currently used by the Fire Department. Purchasing Honeywell turnout gear will maintain consistency across the Department’s remaining compliant inventory and ensure compatibility with existing equipment. Additionally, through a cooperative purchasing agreement with MES through Sourcewell, the department receives a 5 percent discount off MSRP.
Pursuant to San Marino Municipal Code (SMMC) §02.06.05(B)(6), purchases of supplies, materials, equipment, and sales of personal property made under a cooperative purchasing program utilizing purchasing agreements or bids received by the County, State or other public agency are exempt from the requirements of SMMC §02.06.05(B).
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's office has reviewed and approved as to form.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve the purchase of personal protective equipment from Municipal Emergency Services in the amount of $54,620.07 through a cooperative purchasing agreement with Sourcewell. If the City Council agrees with staff’s recommendation, an appropriate motion would be:
“I move to approve the purchase of personal protective equipment from Municipal Emergency Services in the amount of $54,620.07 through a cooperative purchasing agreement with Sourcewell.”
ATTACHMENTS
1. Municipal Emergency Services Turnout Gear Quote
2. Municipal Emergency Services Particulate Hood Quote