Chief Steve Scholl of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department poses with the new coats and pants and combination spreader and cutter recently purchased by the department. The department spent almost $60,000 for the gear. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

VIENNA — New turnout gear and equipment were recently purchased by the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, thanks in part to a fundraiser and the support of the community, the fire chief said.

Nearly $60,000 was spent on 11 sets of coats and pants and two combination spreader and cutters, Chief Steve Scholl said. The combination spreader and cutter, called a combi, were $14,000 each, he said.

“They’re a mini Jaws of Life,” Scholl said.

The purchase was made with funds from three sources, including the department’s allocation of fire fees, money from the city of Vienna and donations from the community and the recent photo fundraiser, Scholl said.

The latter was held at the end of 2024 and involved a photo company organizing and scheduling portraits, from which the department receives a share, Scholl said. Families could get an 8-by-10 or buy other packages, he said.

A new coat purchased by the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department through the generosity of the community, Chief Steve Scholl said. Turnout gear has to be replaced every 10 years, he said. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

The photo fundraiser is not held each year, the chief said.

“We do that one every five to seven years,” Scholl said.

The next major fundraiser for the department is the Ice Cream Social, held on the second Friday of June each year.

Scholl is appreciative of the community’s support. He wants residents to see how their donations are used by the department. Up-to-date equipment allows the department to better serve the community, Scholl said.

“We really want to thank the people for the support they give us,” he said.

Turnout gear, which includes coats and pants, should be replaced every 10 years, according to standards, Scholl said. The purchase didn’t include other gear, such as boots, that will be addressed later, he said.

While the life expectancy of the gear is finite, a combi could last forever, Scholl said.

The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department consists of 20 members and the fire chief.

Jess Mancini can be reached at jmancini@newsandsentinel.com.