Fayetteville fire department repairing ladder cylinder; additional module and pump issues under review

Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Gentry and acting presenter Mary Boyd updated the board on fire apparatus status on Oct. 2. Gentry said crews replaced a main aerial-lift cylinder after it failed in training; the replacement cylinder cost the department $9,250 and was included in the current budget. While transporting the truck to the vendor, an alarm recurred and the vendor is diagnosing a separate module (hydraulic or temperature sensor) that could add further cost once identified.

Gentry said Brimley (the vendor) is cautious about replacing parts until the root cause is confirmed to avoid repeated repairs. The truck may not be returned the same week, pending diagnosis and any parts ordering. Engine 4 has a cracked pump manifold and the vendor’s fabrication shop is assessing whether to repair or replace the manifold and to determine why it cracked.

The board discussed a separate long-range procurement: a new fire truck and associated bond financing. Staff said the procurement and bond work remain under attorney review and are not yet ready for finance committee action; the board will receive an update when the bond documents and procurement steps are ready.