The Leitchfield City Council is considering approving the purchase of a new quint/ladder truck after Leitchfield Fire Chief Tim Duvall made the request at Monday night’s meeting.
“The one we currently have is 35-years-old,” Duvall told the council. “It struggles to (pass) its annual pump and ladder test. They (inspectors) actually gave us a couple of breaks the last time they were here” for an inspection.
“We’ll be lucky if it passes its next inspection (in January),” Duvall added.
The truck’s age and high usage rate has brought on multiple mechanical issues, primarily related to the vehicle’s hydraulics.
“Currently the quint is having issues with the hydraulics (adversely affecting steering and operation of the ladder). It also has a steering assist device (shock) that’s busted. Atlantic (a manufacturer and service company) is trying to locate one,” the chief said. “It’s been two weeks since they’ve been searching, and they haven’t found one yet. So, it’s partially out of service unless it’s absolutely needed.”
Duvall noted that if purchased, the new quint/ladder truck would replace not only the old quint/ladder vehicle but also Engine 63 (pump truck), “which is 35-years-old and would be put in reserve for ISO (insurance) ratings … and for training only.”
If the purchase is approved, the new quint/ladder vehicle would “be the first out in the city on everything except medical runs,” according to Duvall.
A new quint/ladder truck will take between two and three years to receive after its ordered, Duvall said. Although, there is a truck currently on the assembly line at a manufacturing facility in Appleton, Wisconsin, that could possibly be available in two years.
The council voted to table the matter while council members and Mayor Harold Miller research ways to purchase the costly vehicle, and investigate grants that may be available to assist with the purchase.
The Leitchfield Fire Department, on average, takes in $140,000 in fire dues each year. That should allow for a nice down payment on a new quint/ladder truck, Duvall told K105, as the down payment is not due until the fire department receives delivery of the vehicle, which, as noted above, could take up to three years.
(Photo: Leitchfield Fire Chief Tim Duvall speaking to the Leitchfield City Council Monday night)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
