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Hicksville officials weigh FEMA grant to help buy $1.2–$1.7 million 'Quint' fire apparatus
Summary
Fire Chief Darrick Crochran told council grant-writer Mickey Smith thinks the village could qualify for about $1 million from FEMA toward a multi-function 'Quint' to replace aging units; purchase would still leave a large local funding gap and require Finance Committee review.
Hicksville Fire/EMS Chief Darrick Crochran told the village council on Aug. 5 that a FEMA grant discussed with grant-writer Mickey Smith could provide roughly $1 million toward a new multi-function fire apparatus known as a "Quint." Crochran said the apparatus would replace two older units and that purchase prices range between $1.2 million and $1.7 million, with production timelines of about two years.
"The equipment the Fire Chief is looking at is a 'Quint' and would replace 2 older units," Crochran said, noting an upfront application fee of about $2,500 and additional percentage-based payments if the grant is awarded. He said the department would also seek grant support for turnout gear.
The Police/Fire Committee, which held a July 25 Zoom with Mr. Smith, will send the recommendation to the Finance Committee for budgeting and next steps, Crochran said. He described the new apparatus as a necessity to replace a disabled ladder truck and a 35-year-old tanker.
Mayor Michael Barth also raised the need to replace or upgrade ancillary station infrastructure: a new generator for the Fire Department was discussed, with a transcript note showing two different cost figures ($8,200 and $18,200); gas-line upgrades to serve the generator were estimated at roughly $2,500. Barth said he had contacted Maumee Valley Planning about help applying for grants to cover those costs.
The council did not approve expenditure authority at the Aug. 5 meeting; Crochran said any formal purchase would follow committee recommendations and the grant-award process. The issue will move to the Finance Committee for review and to determine how any local match or financing would be covered.
