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Supervisors hear proposal to outfit county reserve fire truck as a centrally located backup amid plans for paid crews
Summary
Board members heard a proposal to equip an existing reserve engine, station it centrally and use it as supplemental coverage while paid crews operate other units; supervisors asked fire leadership and staff to develop a detailed plan and cost estimate.
Supervisors discussed a cross‑departmental proposal to outfit an existing reserve fire engine and station it in a central location in the county to provide backup coverage while paid rescue crews cover primary responses.
Supervisor Benjamin described the concept: equip the county’s reserve vehicle so it can be used when paid crews operate or when volunteers are unavailable. He said equipping the reserve apparatus would cost substantially less than purchasing a new frontline engine, and that the vehicle could also remain available as a reserve for volunteer companies.
Kent, the fire chief (referred to in the meeting), and other fire representatives were described as candidates to provide a recommendation. Supervisors emphasized operational questions remain: which unit would respond first to an incident, how apparatus movement affects coverage in specific districts, and how shared use between paid personnel and volunteers would be managed under the current rank and dispatch structure. One supervisor said he wants Kent and the fire board to prepare a formal plan and cost estimate before any equipment purchases proceed.
Key points
- Cost and location: presenters said fully equipping the reserve truck would be cheaper than buying a new engine and suggested locating it at a centrally located squad house in the town/village area.
- Operational coordination: supervisors stressed the need for clear operational protocols so volunteer stations are not left short when apparatus move for calls; supervisors also emphasized maintaining the existing chain of command.
- Next steps: staff and fire leadership were asked to return with a more detailed plan, including costs for equipping the truck, training/maintenance implications and suggested stationing and staffing approaches.
Ending
No purchases or staffing changes were approved at the workshop; supervisors asked the fire chief and staff to bring a formal recommendation and budget request to a future meeting.
