Rapid City authorizes $1.27 million purchase of rescue pumper for Station 7

The Rapid City Council authorized staff to purchase a purpose-built rescue pumper for the Fire Department on Monday.

Chief Culberson, Rapid City Fire Chief, explained the apparatus will be a “rescue pumper” intended for heavy-rescue operations and vehicle extrication and will be housed at Station 7 on the city's north side. The purchase price authorized by the council was $1,273,146, using funds from the city's capital improvement program and pricing through a Sourcewell contract.

“It's a purpose built apparatus,” Chief Culberson said, adding that the vehicle will carry heavy shoring materials and other specialized equipment used for building collapse and extrication. He told the council the build-and-delivery timeline is long — about 1,152 days from contract signing to delivery — and noted the manufacturer advised a minimum price increase of about $80,000 if the city does not sign before May 31.

Councilor Stroman moved to approve the purchase; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. Councilors said they relied on the fire chief's expertise and described the apparatus as critical to public safety operations on the north side. Chief Culberson said the existing engine at Station 7 would move into reserve status and could continue in service for at least five additional years once the new apparatus is delivered.

The purchase will be procured through Sourcewell contract number 113021-RSD, and staff said the acquisition would use the city's CIP fund. Councilors and staff noted that escalating costs over recent years have required adjustments to procurement planning and that timely contract execution was a factor in avoiding higher costs.

The council's approval was recorded during the consent agenda (Item 35); no amendments were made to the procurement terms during the meeting.