Class A Uniforms, Safety vests and other issues

Beginning today, June 30, 2008, Logistics will be issuing Class A uniforms and safety vests. This has been a long time coming and I would like to thank everyone for your patience.

I know it is lengthy, but please read through the following as it may be helpful in answering questions and has specific information for you:

Class A
The Class A Uniforms (coat and pants) were ordered based on the sizing we completed 3 months ago. This vendor, Design Labs, received the bid through a completive bid process and once the bid was approved, they built the uniforms in their factory in Florida to our specifications. This is a copy of the current uniforms we currently use. Logistics will begin issuing this week but if you would like to either call and check on your status or go down, please do so while off duty. These 172 sets should complete the current firefighting staff of the department excluding the current recruit class. They will be measured and hopefully receive them by graduation. This should get the department 100% in class A pants and coats. Some Volunteer firefighters were included in this order but only if they were measured.

Patten Leather Shoes
When you receive your class A uniforms, if needed, you will receive a voucher for patten-leather shoes. This voucher is for Leigh-High patten leather shoes. You can either meet the shoe truck or visit their store off Harbison Blvd. Each firefighter can only get the department approved patten-leather shoe designated by the voucher. Logistics has specific information on this process.

Dress hats
As most of you know, the department is in the process of changing the dress hat.  The Uniform Committee made the recommendation last year for this change.  We have been working through the uniform issues as the budget allowed.  The new hats will be a "bell top" design and we are currently developing the specifications for a bid process for all ranks.  Chief Officers have already received the new hats and we plan on ordering the remaining as funds allow.  I will provide additional information as this project progresses.

Current problems with uniforms
As a department, we have worked hard to get the department in consistent uniforms. Chief Smith and the Logistics personnel have spent countless hours working through uniform problems and vendor issues. If you have a problem with uniforms, either Class C or D (BDU/T shirts), or Class A or B (Dress shirts/Coats or pants), you must contact Logistics. They cannot assist you if you do not communicate the problems with them. If you have communicated with the Logistics staff and have not had your issue solved, then please contact me through your chain of command. I will do everything in my power to resolve the issue.

Safety vests
The department has also ordered new safety vests for all response personnel. Based on the Safety Committees recommendation, this style of vest was chosen. The new vests are part of your personal protective clothing issue and Logistics will begin issuing them this week through your Battalion Chief. These vests are not for the truck but part of your equipment so keep them safe, much like your face piece or bunker gear.

This is a significant accomplishment for the department to finally "catch up" on uniform issues. We will continually strive for customer service from the Logistics Bureau and please give them a kind word from time to time for they work very hard.

Thanks
Chief Dunn