Murrieta approves $100,000 purchase of used aerial apparatus from Pechanga for training and backup

Murrieta — The City Council on Feb. 18 unanimously approved the purchase of a used tractor‑drawn aerial apparatus (tiller) from the Pechanga Band of Indians for $100,000, to be funded from the Measure T Fleet Replacement Reserve.

Fire Department leadership told the council the 20‑year‑old apparatus is in good condition, has been lightly used and could serve as a dedicated training platform as the department brings staff online to operate a new, more capable aerial currently under construction. The department said acquiring the apparatus will allow most training to be done in‑house and on‑duty rather than sending personnel offsite on overtime.

The chief also said that maintaining an additional aerial in the region is a mutual‑aid benefit; as part of the agreement Pechanga can request the apparatus as emergency backup, which the chief said would help keep a truck located in the region rather than having to move apparatus across greater distances.

The purchase price of $100,000 will come from the city’s Measure T fleet replacement reserve; the council authorized the city manager to execute the bill of sale. The vote was unanimous.

Why it matters: The apparatus will expand Murrieta Fire & Rescue’s training capacity, provide a fallback vehicle during maintenance or heavy demand and support regional mutual‑aid operations. Officials noted that a new aerial delivered today costs multiple millions of dollars and that used apparatus can provide short‑term capacity at lower cost.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the bill of sale and arrange transportation and placement at a city fire station for storage and training use.