Council approves $3.78 million order for two fire apparatus to support station expansion
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The council approved the purchase of one Pierce Enforcer pumper and one Pierce Enforcer aerial from Siddons Martin Emergency Group LLC for $3,778,623, securing pricing and a place in the manufacturer’s delivery queue; long lead times mean funding will be allocated at delivery.
Weatherford City Council approved an order for two fully equipped fire apparatus — one Pierce Enforcer pumper and one Pierce Enforcer aerial — from Siddons Martin Emergency Group LLC for a combined cost of $3,778,623.
Fire Chief Peacock told the council the apparatus are part of a strategic fleet replacement and expansion plan: the pumper is slated for the future Fire Station 5 and the aerial will replace the current aerial at Station 1. Chief Peacock said the apparatus engineering team evaluated four major manufacturers and that Pierce (via Siddons Martin) best met Weatherford’s operational and maintenance support needs.
Chief Peacock explained the purchase secures the city’s place in the manufacturer’s queue and locks current pricing before an announced August cost increase. He said estimated delivery times are long — roughly 34–35 months for pumpers and about 45–46 months for aerials — so the city will allocate funding in the fiscal year when each unit is delivered. The combined price includes a $1,500 BuyBoard fee.
Council members asked whether the city could still make minor specification changes during manufacture; Chief Peacock said there is room for adjustments during the build phase. He also said the existing aerial will be moved to reserve status and eventually sold when it reaches the end of its useful life. The council approved the purchase (motion by Heidi Wilder; motion seconded on the floor) and the item passed on a council vote.
