Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fire Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fire chief urges council to plan now for SCBA replacement and a $2.4M ladder truck
Summary
Fire Chief Kirk Bouchard told council the department’s breathing apparatuses will hit NFPA end‑of‑life soon (estimated replacement ~$320,000) and recommended capital planning for a $2.4 million ladder truck with long lead times to avoid operating a nearly 30‑year vehicle.
Fire Chief Kirk Bouchard presented the Lisbon Fire Department budget request and emphasized safety-driven capital needs. He said the department’s SCBA inventory was purchased in 2013 and that National Fire Protection Association guidance sets a 15‑year service life; the department estimates replacement cost near $320,000 and has about $101,000 in a fire equipment reserve that could offset part of the purchase.
Bouchard also noted the ladder truck is older and showing rust; his capital plan includes a $2.4 million ladder truck slated for delivery in August 2026 if funded, but he warned lead times for new aerial apparatus are now four to five years and delaying approval risks operating a unit nearing 30 years in service.
Councilors asked about staggering SCBA purchases and possible grant opportunities; the chief said federal grant cycles (AFG) often fund whole‑department purchases and may require upfront council commitment to pursue. He also outlined station and fleet conditions, recent vehicle repairs and a voter‑approved rescue pumper in production for August 2026.
No final spending decisions were made at the meeting; the chief requested the council consider the SCBA and ladder-truck needs during capital-planning deliberations.
