Turkey Creek Fire Board Monday, June 12, approved a $286,080 bid to purchase a 2018 tanker with a vacuum pump.

The tanker will replace the 1999 tanker currently in use by the fire department.

Fire Chief Mickey Scott reported he received two bids by the June 9 deadline.

The lower of the two bids, at $278,816, was deemed inadequate because it came with several exceptions to the specifications crafted by the department.

Exceptions included providing a smaller capacity vacuum pump, fittings incompatible with the department’s other apparatus and smaller compartment storage space.

Scott cited Indiana Code 5-22-10-8, which allows the department to accept a higher bid if “the compatibility of equipment, accessories or replacement parts is a substantial consideration in the purchase and only one source meets the using agency’s reasonable requirements.”

Former board chairman Kimberly Cates was in attendance as a member of the public. By operation of law, she resigned her affiliation with the fire board and township advisory board Thursday, June 8, when she was sworn in to fill the county council position vacated by the passing of Bob Sanders.

Cates was elected to complete Sanders’ term at a Wednesday, June 7, caucus of the Republican Party precinct committeemen.

“I love this community and I love the fire department,” she said. “I enjoyed serving and doing the best I could.

“I couldn’t ask for better people who just want to do the best for the community,” said Cates of both boards she has served on since 2012.

Scott reported the fire department responded to 25 fire calls and 107 EMS calls in May. “The May total reflects a 39 run increase from April,” he said. Two structure fires resulted in “an estimated $45,000 in property loss and an estimated $48,900 in property saved.”

Scott also reported:

• Department personnel underwent 452.5 hours of training in May. Topics included engine and equipment operational procedures, SCBA training, ISO evaluations, search and rescue procedures and residential fire size up. EMS training included advanced heart failure protocol, chest trauma assessment, IV skills and preventing medication errors.

• The department hosted a pancake and sausage breakfast Saturday, June 3. Proceeds went to help defray medical expenses for a retired firefighter. “We thank the citizens of our community for the outstanding support we received during this fundraiser,” said Scott.

Scott issued two cautions for the public.

• The department has no authority to waive state requirements to install sprinklers on new construction or renovations. “Our department will not approve the elimination of a sprinklers system that is required by the Indiana Building Code.”

• “With the July 4 holiday coming up, we would like to request the citizens of our area exercise safety for yourself and those around you when utilizing fireworks.”

Scott said the most common dangers include allowing children to use fireworks unsupervised and not adequately considering dry conditions.

“Always keep a water source available,” either a bucket of water or garden hose, “wear shoes and don’t pick up a firework that hasn’t gone off.”

The board next meets at 6:45 p.m. Monday, July 10, at Syracuse Town Hall.