Du Quoin council votes $33,675 to upgrade gear in the fire department; Durkota sworn in as assistant fire chief

The Du Quoin city council Monday approved the purchase of 25 sets of firefighting bunker gear for both paid members of the department and paid-on-call volunteers.

The protective pants and jackets will be purchased from Mac's Fire & Safety Equipment Co. of Litchfield, Ill. at a cost of $33,675. City administrator Brad Myers explained that the gear is a budgeted item for 2014. The gear currently used is more than 10 years old.

Assistant Fire Chief David Durkota explained that the last sets of safety gear were purchased through grants, and the city has not had to spend its own money on the upgrades in over 20 years.

He said the old bunker gear is worn and out-dated and no longer meets the industry standards. The city got a good bid. Some bids were as high as $90,000.

The council met at 6 p.m. in regular session and saw career firefighter David Durkota sworn in as assistant fire chief to Chief Bob Shaw. Durkota has been with the department since February 1996.

The council also:

- Approved condemnation of property at 216 W. Reed.

- Approved roadblock application from Post 647 of the American Legion for April 25, 2014.

- Approved roadblock application from Perry County Humane Society for May 31, 2014.