Increased Retirement & New Equipment Approved For Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District

SUNRISE BEACH, Mo. — The Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District had three big plans approved at a board meeting Monday, Aug. 21 including: a retirement increase, a new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, and a new brush truck.

The District released a press release on Facebook Aug. 22 outlining more in-depth what the unanimous approval means. The release is republished below.

LAGERS L-6 Increase

As promised in Proposition Fire, the Board approved the retirement benefit for all staff members from Level 1 (lowest) to Level 6 (highest) non-contributory. Proposition Fire, passed in August of 2022, promised the opening of Station #4 by renovating the station and hiring six (6) additional firefighters. The measure also promised a raise in pay and an increase in the retirement benefit.

This approval fulfills the retirement benefit promise and follows the approval of raises in the 2023 budget, fulfilling a second promise. The renovation of Station 4 is nearing completion, and a hiring process is slated for October with Station 4 scheduled to open January 1, 2024.

Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG)

The District was awarded $265,618.09. through the AFG Grant for purchase of air packs, a compressor to fill them and the fit testing equipment to ensure proper sizing of the face masks. The grant was applied for in 2021 using the prices of the time. Costs have risen since the grant application was completed, the District’s fleet of vehicles has also grown. The total cost of the purchase will be $424,313.89. The District had budgeted funds for this purchase as our current air bottles are set to expire in 2024. The AFG Grant will cover the majority of the purchase with the total cost to the District being only $158,695.80.

Brush Truck

Once Station #4 opens, the District will be instituting the use of Brush Trucks to handle minor medical and citizen assistance calls. By doing this, the District will reduce maintenance and fuel costs of running the larger apparatus by handling minor calls with smaller, more easily maneuverable vehicles. This is a practice that many of the surrounding fire districts have adopted but wasn’t feasible for Sunrise Beach until a third station was becoming a reality due to increasing call volume.

Previously, with only two stations, call volume dictated that the larger trucks handled all calls to ensure the firefighters had what they needed in the event of another alarm. The brush trucks are being outfitted with air packs, hand tools and a minimum of one hose line capable of initiating a fire attack, should they be on the road when a structure fire is dispatched.

A new purpose-built brush truck from a fire apparatus manufacturer can range from $125,000 - $200,000 or more depending on options, with build time up to two years or greater. The District has opted to purchase a 2024 Chevrolet 3500 diesel with a Knapheide utility body on state bid. We will then purchase the pump and water tank and put the unit together in house. The new truck should be delivered in 2-3 months. Many of the items needed such as tools and radios, the District already has, recycled from previous units.

Estimated total cost once completed is approximately $86,000. The unit is being paid for with money saved from other projects such as the air pack purchase and radio purchases which were covered by grants as well as money saved from other projects that had been previously budgeted.

The Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District continues to strive to provide the best service possible in the most cost-efficient manner.

Joseph R. LaPlant

Fire Chief

Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District

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