Fire truck faces catastrophic failure as city seeks repairs

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the critical condition of a 2007 American LaFrance fire truck, which has been placed in reserve status due to severe mechanical issues. The truck, a 100-foot aerial device, has been experiencing catastrophic problems, including rough operation that has led to broken bolts and significant oil leaks. The situation has escalated to the point where the truck is now completely out of service, marked with a warning sign advising against its use.

Fire department representatives expressed concerns about the truck's reliability, particularly in emergency situations. The garage technicians indicated that the motor is at risk of catastrophic failure, which could jeopardize the safety of firefighters if the truck were to respond to a call. As a result, the department is considering either repairing or replacing the motor, with repair costs estimated to be around $60,000.

The timeline for acquiring a new ladder truck remains uncertain, with the initial expectation of a three-year wait now reduced to 30 months. However, officials noted that the new truck is still two years away, leaving the department with limited options for reliable backup equipment. The cost of a new ladder truck is projected to exceed $2 million, prompting discussions about the potential return on investment if the current truck can be repaired and sold rather than scrapped.

Council members raised questions about the costs associated with both the repair and the acquisition of a new truck, highlighting the challenges faced by the fire department in maintaining operational readiness. The meeting concluded with a call for further evaluation of the repair options, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the fire truck's mechanical issues to ensure the safety of both firefighters and the community.