Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ferron fire chief urges replacement of 32-year-old extraction tools; council weighs donations and demo unit
Summary
Ferron Fire Chief Randy Kenney told the council the department’s hydraulic extraction tools are 32 years old, have an intermittently failing pump and lack available replacement parts; a full modern set would cost about $45,000–$48,000, and the department is pursuing repairs, a demo purchase and donor outreach.
Fire Chief Randy Kenney told the Ferron City Council on Feb. 11 that the department’s hydraulic extraction tools are approximately 32 years old and urgently need replacement or reliable repair. "This equipment is usually replaced every 10 to 15 years," Kenney said, adding that the department’s hydraulic pump has failed and started only once in four attempts.
Kenney said replacement parts for the current pump are no longer available. He described a demo set shown to the council by Castle Dale’s department and estimated the cost of a full modern extraction set at about $45,000 to $48,000. The demo unit could be obtained immediately but would carry a one-year warranty, the chief said.
The council discussed interim options, including attempting repairs so the old unit could serve as a backup and seeking donations. Councilmember Kellee Singleton said fire department fundraisers are planned and that quarterly events will direct proceeds toward the extraction tools. Singleton reported that donation-request letters have been sent to regional trucking companies and other large employers.
Castle Dale representatives described field experience with their equipment and answered technical questions for council members. Kenney warned council members about the risk of relying on neighboring departments if Ferron’s own equipment is unavailable following multiple simultaneous calls.
The council did not take a formal vote to purchase equipment at the meeting but directed continued fundraising and investigation of repair versus replacement costs. Mayor Trent Jackson and staff were asked to help coordinate follow-up estimates and to evaluate grant or donation opportunities.
