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Council approves purchase plans for new pumper and breathing-air cylinders; expected two-year build time for engine
Summary
The council approved lease-purchase funding for a new pumper engine and approved replacement SCBA cylinders; fire staff said new apparatus costs have risen and a new engine build takes about 24 months.
The North Kingstown Town Council approved procurement items including a lease-purchase funding plan for a new pumper engine and sole-source replacement of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) cylinders.
Interim Fire Chief John Linickry told the council the department has a multi-year apparatus replacement plan. He said post-2020 supply-chain constraints and workforce shortages at manufacturers have pushed price increases and extended lead times. "In 2022, the cost of a new engine was $768,000; today that same truck costs $1,120,000.00," Linickry said, and he estimated a build time of approximately 24 months for a new engine.
Council discussion noted the department intends to press older frontline engines into reserve status as new apparatus arrive. Linickry said the department logs roughly 15,000 miles per year on the apparatus in service and expects to maintain the current engine while awaiting delivery of the new unit.
The council also approved a sole-source purchase of replacement SCBA cylinders through the manufacturer's authorized Rhode Island vendor. Staff explained cylinders have a 15-year service life, require five-year hydrostatic testing, and this year marks the scheduled replacement cycle for some units.
Votes at a glance - Motion to approve consent calendar items 9 and 10 (vehicle/equipment purchases including a lease-purchase for an ambulance/pumper): passed (voice vote). - Motion to approve item 11 (SCBA cylinder replacement, sole-source): passed (voice vote).
Why it matters: The equipment approvals commit the town to long-lead-time capital purchases and will affect capital and operating plans. The council acknowledged higher market prices and the operational need to maintain a reserve fleet while awaiting new apparatus.
