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Bristol authorizes ordering rescue vehicle, chief cites long lead times and rising costs
Summary
The council authorized Fire Chief D'Amel to order a replacement for Rescue 1, with a price estimate of $550,000 and a quoted 2½‑year delivery window; chief said prepaying the chassis (~$125,000) could avoid additional inventory charges.
The Town of Bristol Town Council on Feb. 26 authorized Fire Chief D'Amel to place an order for a new rescue vehicle to replace Rescue 1, which the chief said has about 234,000 miles.
"This request is for $550,000," Fire Chief D'Amel told the council, describing an increase from the last purchase (about $460,000) and saying manufacturers’ lead times are roughly two and a half years. D'Amel said part of the reason to order now is to lock in pricing and to enter the manufacturer queue.
The council discussed higher long‑term costs (including possible emission rules that could increase the price further) and the department's increased vehicle usage after adding a fourth truck. The chief said the department typically gets 12–13 years of service from a rescue vehicle in the current usage model.
The council approved authorization to order on a motion by Tony, seconded by Mary; the motion carried by voice vote. The chief said the town would likely prepay the chassis (he estimated about $125,000) to avoid inventory taxes and storage charges the manufacturer would otherwise pass on.
Council members asked about leasing versus purchasing; the chief said purchasing is preferred and that the leasing market is currently limited because of manufacturing delays. Members also discussed continued efforts to seek grant funding, though the chief said available state and federal grant opportunities have become more competitive.
Next steps discussed at the meeting included working with the town treasurer to schedule payment phases and continuing to pursue grant opportunities to offset costs. The council did not appropriate full funds at the meeting; the chief said the actual appropriation could occur in the 2027 fiscal cycle when the purchase becomes payable.
