Explanation
The Columbus Division of Fire is currently in need of additional ballistic vests for firefighters and emergency service personnel. While in many ways similar to the vests used by the Columbus Division of Police, they are substantially different in that the vests are not assigned to each individual firefighter, and are not custom-sized to fit any particular person. Rather, vests are assigned to certain fire and emergency response vehicles, and are adjustable to provide adequate protection for whoever might be wearing the vest. The rationale for this is based on the fact that instances where firefighters are in imminent danger of being fired upon are far fewer than is the case with police. Nonetheless, the potential danger to firefighters is very real, especially when responding to medical emergencies that are the result of acts of violence. To this end, the City of Columbus has placed ballistic vests on its fire apparatus for quite some time.
This legislation will authorize the appropriation and transfer of $270,000 within the General Permanent Improvement Fund to allocate monies in the proper project to account for the purchase of bullet proof vests needed for the Division of Fire.
Emergency legislation is required in order to preserve the safety of firefighters.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds are available in the unallocated balance of the General Permanent Improvement Fund for this appropriation and transfer. This ordinance simply transfers existing funds within in the General Permanent Improvement fund. The transfer between projects is necessary to properly align appropriations with projected expenditures.
Title
To appropriate and authorize the City Auditor to transfer $270,000 within the General Permanent Improvement Fund for the purchase of bullet proof vests for the Division of Fire; and to declare an emergency. ($270,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, a need exists for firefighters to be equipped with bullet proof vests; and
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