To: Board of Directors
From: Lewis Broschard, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Purchase of Chainsaws, Circular Saws and Parts for CCCFPD’s Saw Program
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to execute a Participating Addendum and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent, or designee, on behalf of the Fire Chief to issue a blanket purchase order with Brickyard Building Materials, in an amount not to exceed $250,000 for the purchase of chain saws, circular saws, parts, and other supplies as needed for the Fire District’s Saw Program through Sourcewell Services Master Agreement #112624 for the period April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Budgeted. 100% CCCFPD General Operating Fund.
BACKGROUND:
Chainsaws and rotary saws are vital tools carried by all engine and truck companies because of their crucial role in time-sensitive emergency operations. They allow quick ventilation, forced entry, and access during fires and rescues, directly affecting life safety and incidental outcomes. Since these tasks must be done immediately and under extreme conditions, saws need to be reliable, easily accessible, and capable of consistent performance.
Frequent replacement is required due to heavy use, heat exposure, debris, and mechanical stress, all of which gradually reduce performance despite regular maintenance. Aging equipment heightens the risk of failure during critical operations, while newer models provide better reliability and safety. Keeping an up-to-date inventory of operational saws ensures readiness and enhances firefighter safety.
Several fire stations currently operate saws beyond their recommended service life, resulting in increased maintenance requirements and downtime. As part of the District’s annual equipment replacement cycle, these aging tools will be replaced to ensure consistent reliability and performance across all operational stations.
Procurement with Brickyard Building Materials through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement with Stihl enables the District to standardize its equipment, simplify maintenance and training, and secure competitive prices without a separate bid process. This purchase will ensure that the District’s Saw Program has functional, safe, and reliable equipment to support daily operations.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Failing to maintain and replace essential saw equipment increases the risk of mechanical failure during critical emergency operations. Relying on aging or unreliable equipment may lead to higher maintenance costs, equipment downtime, and reduced overall readiness of frontline apparatus.