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Suamico board approves replacement of aging brush truck, reallocates grant funds for EMS response
Summary
The Suamico Village Board voted 5–1 to replace a 1989 brush truck with a reconfigured EMS quick‑response vehicle, using expiring state and EMS grant funds to reduce local cost; trustees debated losing the older brush unit but approved proceeding in 2026.
Suamico Village trustees voted to replace an aging brush truck and reconfigure the unit to support emergency medical services during their April 6 meeting, approving the request 5–1.
Chief Bertler told the board that brush 1221 is a 1989 vehicle with recurring mechanical problems and safety concerns, including a prior slip incident. The department proposed converting the apparatus to an EMS quick‑response vehicle to better match rising EMS call volume while retaining utility 1211 to tow specialized equipment. Estimated cost to complete the vehicle is about $120,000–$125,000; the department plans to apply approximately $45,000–$50,000 from EMS grant funds and use roughly $80,000 remaining from a state firefighter assistance program to lower the net local expense.
Bertler said the department will source a pickup from Ewald, contract body work to Casper Truck Equipment and use Emergency Lighting for wiring and electrical components, while assembling much of the unit in‑house to cut costs. He said proceeds from selling the surplus 1989 vehicle would return to the equipment replacement fund.
Several trustees raised concerns about losing a brush truck, noting the 1989 truck may have low miles and could be repaired; one trustee said rewiring or refurbishment might be an option but the chief and staff said repair costs could exceed value. Bertler emphasized that recent purchases and refurbishments have increased the department's capacity for brush incidents and that mutual aid remains available.
Trustee Bris moved to approve the replacement in 2026; Trustee Andrews seconded. The motion carried on roll call 5–1.
Next steps: staff will proceed with procurement and use the identified grant funds before year‑end to avoid forfeiting them.
