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Daniels County weighs replacement options for aging fire apparatus, eyes used 2008 Ford brush truck
Summary
County officials discussed repeated breakdowns of older fire trucks and considered a fully equipped 2008 Ford brush truck priced at $45,000 (about 24,500 miles) and other surplus transfers; staff was asked to check fit, availability and funding options including low-interest loans and state transfers.
Daniels County commissioners and fire officials spent a substantial portion of the Aug. 6 meeting reviewing the county’s aging firefighting fleet and exploring replacement options.
Commissioners heard that an older 1974 truck and several other units had recently experienced breakdowns and that replacement parts are increasingly difficult to source. A used, fully equipped 2008 Ford 4x4 brush truck listed at $45,000 and showing about 24,500 miles was presented as one option; officials said the unit is fully equipped but may be long and require inspection to ensure it fits the county fire hall.
The discussion covered several acquisition pathways: buying a ready-built unit, purchasing a chassis and having a body built locally, or transferring a surplus vehicle from a state or Stone Garden program. Officials noted transfer rules and valuation steps for vehicles acquired under Stone Garden, and that any transfers between government entities require paperwork, possible valuation, and in some cases competitive processes. Another option reviewed was converting a Pro Co-op two-axle, 7,000-gallon tanker (fuel trailer) to carry water for fire response, though that would require a tractor, winterization and system modifications.
Funding avenues mentioned included low-interest loans and grants through regional programs referenced as Great Northern/Wolf Point and state intercap financing; commissioners asked staff to explore those options and measure whether a candidate vehicle would fit county storage.
No formal purchase was authorized; commissioners directed staff to check the vehicle’s dimensions, confirm availability with the seller, and report back with cost, fit and funding options. The board emphasized a practical approach to keep apparatus dependable while managing limited local budgets.
The county’s search for reliable apparatus is prompted by repeated service interruptions on older units and by the higher costs of full replacement boxes, which several officials said are increasingly being refurbished and re-mounted on new chassis to control costs.
