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Torrington fire chief warns of national apparatus price surge; proposes lease-to-purchase and legal options
Summary
Fire Chief David Tripp told the council that industry consolidation has driven apparatus prices up about 60%, pushing new engines toward $1.2 million; he said staff will propose phased lease-to-purchase options and is exploring joining a class-action suit to recover inflated costs.
Fire Chief David Tripp told the Torrington City Council on June 15 that a national consolidation in fire-apparatus manufacturing has reduced suppliers and driven up prices and parts shortages, leaving municipal departments facing roughly a 60% increase in apparatus costs over the past three years.
"Trucks that previously cost approximately $600,000–$750,000 are now selling for $1.2 million," Chief Tripp said, describing both price inflation and diminished parts availability. He reported that Congress has asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate potential monopolistic practices and that class-action lawsuits have been filed in multiple states; the department is gathering information on the possibility of joining such litigation.
Chief Tripp said the Fire Department plans to bring a detailed replacement proposal to the Vehicle Replacement Advisory Board later this summer, recommending a phased lease-to-purchase approach to spread costs over five to six years rather than funding large lump-sum purchases. In the near term the department is pursuing acquisition of a used 20-year-old, low-mileage truck from the City of Hartford as a cost-effective reserve apparatus.
Councilors asked about fleet size standards and disposition of out-of-service vehicles. Chief Tripp said ISO and NFPA guidance support the department’s planned apparatus levels and confirmed two older engines (Engine 3 and Engine 5) are slated for auction. Councilor Paul Cavagnero suggested elected officials press candidates at all levels to address the industry consolidation driving up costs, while Chief Tripp emphasized that legal action may be the most direct mechanism for relief.
