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Board approves ambulance repair proposal after chief warns replacement could take three years
Summary
The South Chicago Heights Board approved Resolution 2026-R-7 to authorize repairs to the fire‑department ambulance by Diamond Diesel & Automotive Inc.; Fire Chief Chad Vlietstra said a replacement unit would take three years to obtain and the proposed rebuilt engine includes a two‑year warranty.
The South Chicago Heights Board of Trustees on March 16 approved Resolution 2026‑R‑7 to authorize a proposal from Diamond Diesel & Automotive Inc. to address engine trouble on the village fire department ambulance. Mayor Terry Matthews presented the resolution and Fire Chief Chad Vlietstra outlined the problem and options.
Chief Vlietstra summarized the vehicle's recent engine trouble while idling and said a replacement ambulance "would take 3 years to receive," and that the proposed repair option included "this new engine will have a two-year warranty." Trustee Sally Marrufo moved the resolution, Trustee Rose Ann Diederich seconded, and the roll call recorded ayes from Trustees John Ross, Sally Marrufo, Daryl Crudup and Rose Ann Diederich; no nays were recorded. The motion carried.
The vote authorizes spending for the specific repair proposal; Chief Vlietstra told the board he had discussed the long lead time for a new ambulance with finance director Azbill. The minutes do not record the exact dollar amount for the repair in the discussion; the board approved the authorization to proceed rather than purchasing a replacement at this meeting.
