Husser fire chief asks Tangipahoa Parish board for 4WD service truck and turnout gear as insurance costs rise

Husser Fire Department Chief Dale Vernon told the Tangipahoa Parish Fire Protection District No. 2 board on June 23 that the department needs 20 new sets of turnout gear and a 4-wheel-drive service truck to maintain response capability as insurance costs increase.

Vernon said the department has been relying on grants and volunteer support to buy equipment but that recent grant shortfalls and a jump in insurance costs have left the station short on replacement gear and dependable service vehicles. “We are in desperate need… the gear contract has expired,” Vernon said. He told the board he had obtained three quotes and that the cheapest per-set price he found was about $4,700; for 20 sets he calculated roughly $94,000.

Why it matters: Vernon said an aging service truck and limited compartment space are affecting the department’s ability to fight grass and range fires…