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Northfield volunteer fire captain urges earlier replacement of aging pumper amid rising costs
Summary
Captain Nixon told the City Council the department’s rotation plan and long manufacturer lead times mean delaying a replacement risks operational readiness; council members said the city’s budget and infrastructure constraints complicate buying a new pumper this year.
Captain Mike Nixon, a fire captain who addressed the City Council at the Northfield work session, urged officials to move sooner rather than later on replacing a frontline pumper that has been in service for 15 years.
"Prices for trucks are climbing, lead times are very long, sooner is better than later to purchase," Captain Nixon said, explaining the department rotates four pieces (one ladder and three pumpers) and tries to maintain a seven-year cycle. He said Truck 62 is planned to be retired and that the rotation helps ensure a spare if a unit goes out of service during an incident.
Council members acknowledged the operational concerns but flagged budget and infrastructure constraints. Councilman Notaro questioned whether the city needed to maintain three pumpers performing the same role, and Councilman Polistina said the decision will hinge on a final vote and the city’s ability to absorb the cost this year. Councilman Dewees noted infrastructure problems factored into his thinking.
No formal motion to purchase a truck was recorded during the work session; Captain Nixon requested his concerns be noted on the record and the council thanked him for his presentation. The matter may return for formal consideration on the regular meeting agenda or through the capital plan process.
