The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission approved the purchase of several items funded through a grant donation at its recent meeting, as well as heard options for a possible fire boat lift.

At the Aug. 13 meeting, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 in one motion to approve the purchase of the following: one Forcible Entry training door system from Firehouse Innovations; one Auto-Pulse NXT from Zoll Medical Corporation, which is a device that performs automated CPR; one UE Scope VL460 from Bound Tree, which is a video laryngoscope for intubating patients; two new APX radios from Motorola, which will replace the outdated ones; four new sets of Globe turnout gear from Bennett Fire Products, which were scheduled for replacement in the following fiscal year; one Jacob’s Ladder from Rogue Fitness, which is a training tool; one Firesled training prop from Firesled Fitness; one The Punisher training prop from Firesled Fitness; one new 16-foot utility trailer from Tropic Trailer, as the district’s current one cannot support the weight of the new beach rescue vehicle; one Komos ultrasound probe from EchoNous, which is an in-the-field device used on patients; and one Honda portable generator, which the district’s crew will be able to use on-the-scene for rescue tools.

Prior to the vote, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul explained that all of the items will be purchased through the recent $150,000 grant donation that the district received for medical and fire rescue equipment.

He noted that staff had a Teledyne/FLIR drone on the list, but they removed it as the Lee County Sheriff’s Office has offered to donate a drone to the district. The device will be a district asset.

“And they’re going to donate training,” Pawul added. “They’re going to train us on using it.”

Also during the meeting, the commission voted 3-0 in separate motions to approve: the purchase of four new sets of Globe turnout gear from Bennett Fire Products, which were already budgeted for replacement; an update to the district’s Administrative Additional Responsibly Pay Policy, which was necessary for overtime to be paid properly; and the disposal of surplus capital assets, to include a positive pressure fan and the utility trailer being replaced.

Also at the meeting, Pawul gave an update on consultant Hans Wilson & Associates, which recently determined that the boat lift cannot be installed at McCarthy’s Marina due to seagrass and depth.

He reported that the engineering firm drafted a proposal, with two options, that would meet the required codes and regulations and allow for the lift. The first one involved extending McCarthy’s existing dock farther, which would get the lift out of the seagrasses and the depth of the manatee protection zone, while the second one also involved extending the dock farther, then turning south.

Pawul continued that Wilson and he met with the owner of McCarthy’s and discussed the options. However, he did not seem really receptive to the proposal, but said he would look at the plans.

“He didn’t seem all that excited about either of them,” Pawul said.

“He is not willing to give up any more slips in his marina, which is understandable,” he added.

Pawul reported that the district may have to look at a different location. Jensen’s would be the next closest and they have had past conversations. Asked about The Green Flash, he raised concerns about the parking lot access, while the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa was too far down the channel.

“We’re in South Seas right now,” Pawul said. “They haven’t told us we can’t stay.”

IN OTHER NEWS

– Pawul provided an update on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s reimbursement for $150,000 in damages to the fire station as a result of Hurricane Ian that were unaccounted for.

“It just finally moved to the next step in the process,” he said.

The district is on step seven of eight steps, so it is awaiting FEMA’s determination.

– The commission agreed to hold its second and final budget hearing on Sept. 23 at 5:01 p.m.

– The district responded to 34 incidents in July, compared to 27 last year for the same month.