Penner says current BA units are more than 25 years old and it's time to upgrade to a higher quality.

He says the upgrade would also serve to cut down, if not eliminate, maintenance costs on the units.

"It's time to bring in some equipment that's a bit more up to date," says Penner.

"This type of gear isn't used all that much and, when you do a turnover, maintenance costs tend to stay quite low."

The chief is quick to point out the current BAs are operational and safe for local firefighters to use.

"We ran a check not that long ago at one of our practices and, yes, the stuff is as operational as it needs to be.

"But, wear points are starting to show up on the harnesses and there's other deficiencies that lend towards wanting to replace them."

Penner says Rankin is the same as most volunteer fire departments in that the biggest obstacle to replacing or updating gear is always the availability of funding.

Rankin has 10 operational BA units in service. The average cost of the latest units available is about $5,000.

The standards for firefighting equipment are set by the National Fire Protection Association.

Penner says although the units are below current standards, they met the standards of the day when they were purchased.

"Carman, Manitoba (Penner's former community), had units older than the Rankin ones and there were upgrades done to keep them in service.

"But, the goal there was also to eventually upgrade to newer ones."

Penner says hamlet council is aware of the need to implement a community plan to purchase newer equipment and keep the fire department in a reasonable state of operation.

He says new gear is also good for station morale.

"I brought up a bag full of Freightliner hats when I first moved to Rankin.

"Everyone got a hat during the first meeting I conducted and they were tickled over that.

"In a volunteer organization, if you work towards improving the equipment the members use, rely on and are supported by, it goes a long way towards improving their morale and the way they approach their duty."