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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Assistant Chief Dan Osman
DATE: February 27, 2020
SUBJECT:
A resolution to purchase twelve (12) tactical ballistic vests and helmets to be used by the Aurora Fire Department's (AFD's) Tactical Emergency Medics (TEMS) assigned with the Aurora Police Departments (APDs) Special Response Team (SRT) during the execution of high-risk narcotic search warrants, mass shootings and other tactical operations.
PURPOSE:
To request authorization from the Aurora City Council to purchase twelve (12) tactical ballistic vests and helmets to be used by the AFD's TEMS assigned with the APD's SRT during the execution of high-risk narcotic search warrants, mass shootings and other tactical operations.
BACKGROUND:
The APD's SRT is responsible for the execution of high-risk narcotic search warrants and other high-risk tactical operations that are deemed to be too high a threat level for other police personnel. The AFD, in conjunction with the APD, has formed a new team of tactical paramedics to work imbedded with the SRT to provide lifesaving medical treatment to our police personnel in the event that they are injured. The tactical paramedics are all paramedics that currently serve the fire department. This team has gone through additional training in tactical operations with the SRT, and all members will train with the SRT at least four times per year. This teams also requires a higher level of ballistic protection than is provided to all AFD fire companies in a high-risk environment. Special ballistic vests and helmets, with the same level of protection that all SRT members have during operations, are required for all team members. Besides a higher level of ballistic protection, this equipment is custom fit for each member.
DISCUSSION:
The SRT is used to bring mitigate potentially life-threatening situations, such as high-risk narcotic search warrants, mass shootings and other tactical operations. TEMS will provide immediate lifesaving medical treatment to a Special Response Team member in the event that they are injured during one of these operations. As a result of this, the vast majority of the requests for services offered by the SRT relate to the enforcement of drug and gang crimes. These high-risk operations can put the SRT and TEMS in extreme peril. The purchase of the twelve (12) tactical ballistic vests and twelve (12) helmets will allow the TEMS the best body armor suited for the types of tactical operations they perform.
When the police department deems it necessary to use the SRT, TEMS will be used to provide immediate medical care for injured officer. TEMS will also care for other injured personnel, including civilians and suspects.
The City of Aurora Code of Ordinances, Exceptions to Competitive Bidding Requirement, Article 5, Sec 2-335 (a) (6), "any municipal work or public improvement, when the expense thereof will exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), may be undertaken or constructed by contract or agreement without advertising for bids if authorized by a vote of three-fifths (3/5) of the members of the City Council then holding office."
In discussions with SRT leader Lieutenant Rick Robertson, is was determined the TEMS would operate most effectively having the same protective equipment the SRT members have. The SRT members currently use Armor Express ballistic equipment. The formal bidding process was not followed but three quotes were obtained for the ballistic vests and helmets. Ray O'Herron of Danville, IL, was the lowest of the three bids. Therefore, it is recommended the city council authorize the purchase of twelve (12) Armor Express ballistic vests and helmets from Ray O'Herron of Danville, IL.
City Council previously approved a decision package for ballistic vests, helmets, and medical supplies for the TEMS in the amount of $45,000.00. The funds are currently available in SHAPE fund 255-3033-422.61-40. The remaining amount after the purchase of the ballistic equipment will be used for associated medical supplies.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Ballistic protection for the TEMS is needed for them to be able to operate in high-risk environments with the SRT. The TEMS will allow the SRT to be cared for immediately if they are injured during an operation or training. Without the custom-fitted ballistic equipment, the TEMS team will not be able to operate, and injured officers would not receive medical care until they could be removed from a dangerous environment, potentially increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended the City Council approve the purchase of twelve (12) ballistic vests and helmets from Ray O'Herron of Danville, IL, in the amount of $33,023.76.
cc: Public Health, Safety, and Transportation Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the purchase of twelve (12) ballistic vests and helmets in the amount of $33,023.76 from Ray O'Herron of Danville, IL.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Aurora Police Department for many years has depended on the Special Response Team, (SRT), to bring a safe resolution to potentially life-threatening situations, such as high-risk narcotic search warrants and other tactical operations; and
WHEREAS, the Aurora Fire Department has formed a new team of Tactical Emergency Medics, (TEMS), to imbed into the Special Response Team to provide immediate life-saving care to injured officers and civilians; and
WHEREAS, the department is seeking to purchase new tactical ballistic vests and helmets best suited for the types of operations they will perform; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances, Exceptions to Competitive Bidding Requirement, Article 5, Sec 2-335 (a) (6), "any municipal work or public improvement, when the expense thereof will exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), may be undertaken or constructed by contract or agreement without advertising for bids if authorized by a vote of three-fifths (3/5) of the members of the City Council then holding office."
WHEREAS, funds have been allocated in SHAPE fund 255-3033-422.61-40 in the amount of $45,000.00 for the purchase of TEMS ballistic equipment and medical supplies)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: authorize the purchase of twelve (12) ballistic vests and helmets from Ray O'Herron of Danville, IL. and the Director of Purchasing is to execute the necessary documents for the purchase.