Waterford to surplus two heavy fire vehicles after repeated mechanical failures

The Board of Selectmen voted May 5 to surplus two pieces of heavy fire apparatus—a 2016 Quest pumper (asset W51) and a 2010 Ferrara heavy rescue (asset W57)—after Fire Services Director Christopher Haley outlined repeated mechanical problems and steep repair costs.

Haley told the board that one vehicle had “engine block damage” and an initial repower estimate of “approximately $79,000,” and that W51 has incurred roughly $97,000 in repairs in the past 2.5 years. He said the rigs use an uncommon cabin chassis that makes parts scarce and repairs slow: “Just getting a windshield wiper motor took 9 weeks,” he said, pointing to parts‑availability and the unique configuration as drivers of cost and downtime. Haley described efforts to repurpose equipment and consolidate rescue capability into a centrally located squad to preserve operational coverage while reducing the number of very large, specialty vehicles in the fleet.

Board members pressed on operational impacts and long-term planning. Selectman Greg asked how many frontline pumpers would remain and whether reserves would be adequate; Haley answered that the proposal reduces heavy apparatus from 11 to 9 while retaining two reserve engines and that every engine company will be standardized and capable of basic EMS and pump operations. Selectmen also discussed broader fleet‑management issues—rising apparatus prices, national supply‑chain constraints and ongoing federal fact‑finding into the apparatus industry—before approving the surplus recommendation by voice vote. The board did not authorize further surplusing beyond the two units discussed and directed staff to continue refining fleet rotation and replacement plans.