Fire Chief Fairbanks told the Lakewood Public Safety Committee and City Council on Oct. 20 that the city intends to replace Engine 4 in the 2028 capital plan and that the department faces higher prices and long vendor build times for new apparatus.

Fairbanks said Engine 4 was purchased in February 2005, pumps 1,500 gallons per minute and carries a 500-gallon water tank. He described a 25-year municipal life-cycle standard endorsed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): "They recommend that each vehicle spends 15 years in frontline service and 10 years in reserve service," Fairbanks said, adding that Engine 4 was refurbished during the COVID period to extend its life.

The fire department requested a $1.5 million capital budget placeholder for 2028. Fairbanks presented three manufacturer quotes that he said were configured with similar mission needs (pump size, transmission, tank size, seating and compartment space) and a stainless-steel body to reduce corrosion:

- Pierce Manufacturing (Oshkosh subsidiary): $1,437,620; build time 48 to 51 months. Fairbanks noted Pierce also offers electric options but said electric engines carry higher costs and infrastructure needs. "The price is 20 28's price. Today's price is 20 28's price," he said, arguing earlier ordering can lock in price and reduce later increases.

- Sutphen (family-owned, Columbus, Ohio): $1,460,860; build time 28 to 30 months; includes an idle-reduction system quoted at about $32,300. Fairbanks noted Sutphen maintains a local service presence, which can reduce downtime.

- Seagrave (family-owned, Wisconsin/Kentucky service): $1.35–1.45 million; build time about 50 months. Fairbanks said Seagrave is a noted builder for some large-city fleets but provided a later quote.

Fairbanks warned of national market pressure, citing consolidation in the apparatus industry that left three manufacturers controlling roughly 80% of market share and drawing federal scrutiny. He referenced a Sept. 10 Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing and ongoing antitrust inquiries by the Federal Trade Commission.

He also described operational priorities that shaped specifications: extra compartment space to remove tools from the cab, interior materials to limit carcinogen retention, improved scene lighting and a rear top light bar that can operate as a floodlight or traffic arrow to increase visibility on I-90 and other roadways.

On procurement and timing, Fairbanks said build times now range from about 28 months to more than four years, and that some vendors require staged payments; Pierce's price includes factory trips for committee inspections, while Seagrave requested installment payments tied to chassis build milestones. He said municipalities face unpredictable delays for ambulances as well (three-year wait times) and that many departments saw order backlogs after stimulus/ARPA-era orders.

Council members thanked Fairbanks; a motion to receive and file the presentation passed. Fairbanks said the department will continue to refine specifications, balance manufacturer lead times with local-service availability, and return with budget options and procurement recommendations.

Ending: Chief Fairbanks recommended keeping the $1.5 million placeholder in the 2028 capital plan while the administration and Council evaluate quotes, build-time risk and payment options.