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Officials say corrosion and mechanical failures have sidelined multiple Torrington fire engines
Summary
Torrington officials and the new fleet manager described ongoing corrosion and mechanical failures — including a brake failure that took an engine out of service and pump problems on another engine — forcing operational changes and mutual aid while the city addresses maintenance and replacement options.
City officials and fleet staff told the Torrington Board of Finance that corrosion and mechanical failures have recently sidelined several fire apparatus and strained available spares.
Randy — who was asked by the Chair to update the board — reported that Engine 17 experienced a severe brake issue that required towing to Watertown and removal from service, Engine 6 had pump problems, and Truck 1 has been out of service for about nine weeks. He said the resulting loss of spare apparatus forced temporary operational changes and increased reliance on mutual aid.
Ben, the city’s new fleet manager, described steps the city is taking to extend apparatus life, including applying fluid film and undercarriage coatings and increasing wash frequency, but warned some vehicles have been exposed to road salt for many years and "are just too far gone at this point." Board members emphasized the expense of fire apparatus and expressed support for combining acquisition options (outright purchase and lease) to ease budget impacts.
Board members asked for ongoing attention to maintenance practices while the city completes replacement and leasing plans.
