Council approves $12,189 repair for front suction on fire engine 8162

The Fort Atkinson City Council on Feb. 20 approved repairs to the front intake suction system on fire engine 8162, a 2006 Pierce Enforcer, after Renard's Fire Equipment Service found extensive corrosion and wear.

Fire Chief Peterson told the council the engine experienced drafting difficulties during training. Renard's disassembled the front suction assembly and identified corrosion beyond service life, attributed to a mix of older steel piping and a poly tank design used at that time. Peterson said other vehicles have stainless steel piping and are not expected to have the same issue.

The repair scope includes the front actuator swivel, 5-inch plumbing and all valves; the estimate is $12,189.37. Peterson said parts were ordered when staff authorized the work and that the truck remains in service using mid-ship drafting in the interim. He estimated repairs would take about three weeks. Funds will come from the fire department's truck repair fund, which has $75,000 budgeted for the year.

Votes at a glance: The motion to approve the repair at the estimated cost of $12,189.37 passed by voice vote.

Ending: Chief Peterson said Renard's is the department's usual repair vendor and that the city expects the engine back in full operation within weeks.