TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Keith Stahley, City Manager
FROM: Josh Eggleston, Chief Financial Officer
SUBJECT:
title
Salem Police Foundation Donation to Help Fund Bomb Truck Replacement
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
Result Area(s): Good Governance; Safe and Healthy Community.
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SUMMARY:
summary
The Salem Police Foundation will donate approximately $80,000 to purchase the chassis for a replacement bomb truck this fiscal year. An adjustment to the FY 2025 budget for this purchase is included in Supplemental Budget 1, also on the October 14, 2024, Council agenda for consideration. Next year’s proposed budget will include funding from a variety of other internal and external contributors to complete upfit of the vehicle.
Due to the complex funding and multiple fiscal years staff are providing this information report.
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ISSUE:
Information only.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Information only.
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
Current truck condition
The current truck is 20 years old and was intended to be a 15-year service truck. The capabilities and equipment used in the bomb technician community have increased over the years, as have the duties and expectations of an accredited bomb squad and its certified technicians. The current truck’s build and equipment were operationally appropriate at the time but are now outdated and in need of replacement.
The truck’s size and layout do not support having multiple people on the scene of incidents, often discussing options and plans both inside and outside the vehicle. The amount of equipment on the truck has grown, forcing equipment to be separated between the truck and an added trailer. Technicians often must unload equipment at the scene to create space inside for personnel to operate. At 10 years old, critical digital equipment inside the truck is also overdue for replacement.
Benefits of the new truck
The new bomb truck will provide the team with a fully updated platform, providing more space for personnel to operate, have a better interior layout, and include updated equipment. The new truck will also provide updated computer/electronics equipment, allowing for updated services and dependability.
Funding:
Fiscal Year 2025 (Chassis):
• Salem Police Foundation: $79,978
Fiscal Year 2026 (Upfit):
• Oregon Office of Emergency Management Grants: $97,707
• Asset Forfeiture: $110,000
• General Fund: $45,315
• Proceeds from the sale of the current truck: $50,000
Total Cost: $383,000
BACKGROUND:
The Salem Police Bomb Squad is a federally accredited public safety bomb squad. The team has served Salem and assisted surrounding agencies and counties for 52 years. The team comprises 6 certified bomb technicians who provide a variety of explosive material safety-related services to the community and agency partners in Salem, Keizer, and Polk County, serving a population of approximately 295,944 over 800.49 square miles.
This special unit is unique within the Salem Police Department as its primary mission is solely dedicated to safely handling and disposing of explosive materials and devices. Services include the safe evaluation, handling, and disposal of hazardous devices and materials such as improvised explosive devices, commercial explosives, and chemical, biological, or nuclear materials. The team is trained to support other in-state bomb squads, tactical team(s), and criminal investigations units with specialized equipment. Members also provide safety education classes to community groups, city workers, the school district, and health system partners.
Examples of significant calls the team has handled include the serial pipe bombing campaign in 2007, the Woodburn Bank bombing in 2008, a homemade explosives lab in a residential district in 2009, and a hoax improvised explosive device being presented in the Salem Hospital ER in 2019. Since 2004, the Salem Bomb Squad has responded to and handled 1,007 activities/incidents within its response area. Since 2022, the team has averaged over 70 activities/incidents per year.
James Wharton-Hess
Senior Fiscal Analyst
Attachments:
1. None