Freeport VFD plans to replace aging engine with new Pierce apparatus, financing uncertain

Freeport firefighters plan to replace an aging truck with a new custom model.

The volunteer fire department’s 1987 Mack Grumman fire engine failed a pump test this year.

Fire Marshal Michael Greiser said maintenance of the 33-year-old truck has become taxing, with parts becoming harder to find. Its open cab subjects firefighters and equipment to the elements and hazards.

That, combined with other factors including rust in several spots, have pushed it past the standards of in-service emergency apparatus vehicles under the National Fire Protection Association, Greiser said, and it must be retired.

The plan is to purchase a new truck from Wisconsin-based Pierce Manufacturing.

The purchase of this new fire engine will help the department meet NFPA standard compliance, which will be achieved by increasing the staffing, personnel, equipment and water/pump capacity, and also will help to increase its rating with the Insurance Services Office.

ISO is an advisory and rating organization for the property/casualty insurance industry.

Greiser said the project still is in the design phase and there is no sales agreement yet with the company.

“The new engine will provide a safe operating piece of equipment with the safety of the responders and the needs of the borough in mind,” he said. “A shorter wheelbase and overall length will help to navigate the tight streets in the borough. The safety items and design of the engine will help to reduce line of duty injuries and increase firefighters overall effectiveness.”

Proposed specifications include a tank of at least 750 gallons and a pump that can handle 2,000 gallons per minute. The truck will have a remote controlled deluge gun, a low rear hosebed, 360-degree camera system as well as 360-degree reflective striping and LED lighting. Ladders and other equipment would be stored inside the truck instead of on its sides.

“The warning lighting package will ensure the safety of first responders on the scene of an incident,” Greiser said. “This engine will allow the fire department to provide the highest quality total public safety response to the residents of the borough, by housing hydraulic rescue tools, rope rescue equipment, firefighting equipment, water rescue equipment and hazmat supplies all on one engine.”

The fire marshal said it took about six months of exploring seven manufacturing companies to select Pierce. The truck is expected to take about 15 months to build.

Borough officials are trying to come up with a way to finance the purchase, estimated at $568,000.

Council President Clint Warnick said there is about $292,000 in a truck fund.

He suggested securing a loan and using the $30,000 borough contribution to the fire department to make payments the next 10 years. Loan rates discussed last month were between 2% and 3.2%.

Warnick said the cost might balloon $28,000 or $45,000 if they wait until next year to make a deal.

“If we ordered the truck and start paying January 2022, over the 10-year period we would incur $47,000 in interest,” he said. “One of the things I was looking at was the way we allocate money. … You have to have a 20-year plan or a 30-year plan, and you buy your big money items every so often.”

Mayor James Swartz Jr. said he is not in favor of pulling from Freeport’s $544,000 capital reserve fund to pay for the truck. Swartz also is president of the fire department.

He said the borough needs its reserves for emergencies and major repairs.

It is unclear when council might take action on the proposed purchase.