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Village Fire Department reports rising equipment needs; council hears plan for $3.1 million replacement package
Summary
The Village Fire Department told the council that a ladder truck involved in a traffic accident is out of service and the department plans to buy a ladder truck and an engine together for an estimated $3.1 million, with $2 million from insurance and the balance from Capital Outlay.
Chief Miller and Fire Commissioner Brown reported to the Bunker Hill Village City Council on Jan. 21 that the department’s ladder truck remains out of service after a traffic accident and that the department plans to purchase a ladder truck and an engine together for an estimated $3.1 million.
According to the report, the department expects $2 million to be covered by an insurance claim, with the remaining cost funded through Capital Outlay. Officials said buying two vehicles together provides a discount; projected delivery dates are August 2026 for the ladder truck and mid-2027 for the engine. The department said a Bunker Hill resident donated a loaner fire truck for interim use and that mutual aid with the City of Houston continues.
The report also covered operations and staffing: average response times were 4 minutes, 57 seconds in November and 5 minutes, 20 seconds in December; the department is hiring two fire medics while operating shifts with 11 personnel (below the target 15) to ensure apparatuses are manned; dispatch position has been filled. Chief Miller and Fire Commissioner Brown noted a recent rescue training exercise at a vacant demolition home during which one firefighter suffered a broken finger.
Council did not record a formal vote on the proposed purchases during the Jan. 21 meeting; the presentation was informational and budget implications beyond the stated insurance payment and Capital Outlay funding were not finalized in the minutes.
