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Sweetwater council authorizes purchase of new pumper and ambulance to replace aging apparatus
Summary
The council authorized the city manager to sign purchase orders for a custom 2025 Spartan pumper (about $1.5 million, including $200,000 in equipment) and a 2025 Fortin ambulance; departments say long lead times make early ordering necessary.
The Sweetwater City Council on Nov. 12 authorized the purchase of a new pumper engine and a new ambulance for the Sweetwater Fire Department, approving staff’s request to begin the procurement process and to allow the city manager to sign purchase orders.
The fire department’s representative outlined a capital improvement plan that prioritizes replacing Engine No. 2, a 2008 Freightliner described as the department’s “workhorse,” and Medical 1, the primary ambulance, both of which are past recommended service lifespans. "This apparatus is something that would be custom built for the Sweetwater Fire Department and designed by the SFD apparatus team," the presenter said, describing a turnkey pumper priced "just over $1,500,000," which includes about $200,000 in loose equipment such as ladders, SCBA air packs and hydraulic rescue tools.
Officials told the council that the National Fire Protection Association recommends placing apparatus older than 15 years into reserve and that the department has seen pump and electrical failures around year 14 to 15. The presenter said lead times have lengthened since 2020; the pumper has an estimated two-year lead time and the ambulance two to three years, creating urgency to order now so vehicles arrive when needed.
The department said a new aerial apparatus arriving in January should allow an older pump to be repaired and repurposed as a reserve, improving redundancy and reducing reliance on neighboring departments. "We cover all the almost 920 square miles of Nolan County," the presenter said, noting the need for equipment that meets the countywide service area.
Councilmember (unnamed) moved to authorize the city manager to sign the purchase orders; the motion was seconded and carried after the council voted "Aye." The motion record indicates approval, and the council did not amend the funding or specify financing details during the meeting.
Next steps for the department are placing orders and returning to council or staff with finalized purchase paperwork and proposed funding sources when available.
