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Waterford selectmen approve surplus of two aging fire vehicles after debate over fleet size
Summary
After a lengthy discussion about repair costs, parts scarcity and fleet-management strategy, the Board of Selectmen voted to surplus a 2016 E-One pumper (W51) and a 2010 Ferrara heavy rescue (W57) to reduce long-term liability and standardize the fleet.
The Waterford Board of Selectmen voted May 5 to surplus two heavy fire apparatus, a 2016 E-One pumper (asset W51) and a 2010 Ferrara heavy rescue (asset W57), following a prolonged debate on repair costs, fleet size and operational risk.
Director of Fire Services Christopher Haley told the board the pumper under consideration has major engine damage and would require a "full repower," and that "approximately $79,000 is the first quote we had" for repairs. He said the vehicle has logged substantial repair bills in recent years: "51 has incurred over $97,000 in just the past two and a half years in ongoing repairs." Haley and staff argued a sale was more prudent than expensive ongoing fixes on a unique chassis that is difficult and slow to source parts for.
Selectmen questioned whether surplusing the vehicles would leave the department short of capacity. Haley and other staff said the department plans to keep at least two reserve engines. He described a consolidation strategy that transforms a single-purpose rescue vehicle into a more multi-purpose central "squad" and redistributes rescue gear across ladder trucks and other apparatus. "What we've allowed ourselves to do by getting to this juncture is actually increase our effectiveness while downsizing the fleet," he said.
Selectman Greg moved to table the surplus recommendation pending a fleet-management recalculation, prompting an extended exchange about fleet-plan timing and anticipated apparatus replacement cycles. Several members, including Selectman Muckle, asked staff to confirm resale estimates and forecast when the town would next need to replace a pumper. Haley said he expected the next apparatus acquisition window to be about two years out for a vehicle currently scheduled for replacement.
After additional discussion of maintenance rotation, reserve levels and the risk of long build times from manufacturers, the board approved the surplus recommendation by voice vote.
The board’s approval directs staff to proceed with disposal via broker services; specifics about sale prices and any reinvestment of proceeds were not finalized at the meeting. The decision follows a broader conversation among fire directors nationally about apparatus manufacturing consolidation and long lead times for new builds, which local officials said complicates long-term planning.
The selectmen did not adopt changes to procurement or capital-asset schedules at the meeting; Haley said staff and a fleet-ad hoc committee will revisit the fleet plan with updated usage data and cost projections.
