TURNERS FALLS — The Turners Falls Fire Department will be seeking a new ladder truck at this year’s annual district meeting set for April 18.
The fire district is requesting either $150,000 for the first year payment of the lease, or $996,000 to purchase the truck outright. Turners Falls Fire Chief John Zellmann said whether they end up requesting the lease or the purchase depends on which option is more affordable for the town.
He said the department wants to be up front about the cost and the reasons why the district is requesting the new vehicle.
The department only has one ladder truck, a 1989 model. Zellmann said that the department has had the truck for 28 years, which is almost double the life expectancy that is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association.
“It has served the fire department very well the last 28 years. It really has. I believe that’s because of the quality of the product and our preventative maintenance program,” Zellmann said.
Zellmann said that the department is able to extend the life of its vehicles through maintenance and because the department is low-usage. Maintenance costs, however, have continued to increase as the vehicle has gotten older.
The new truck would also have additional safety and lighting features that the existing truck doesn’t have. Zellmann is asking for the truck now because it takes about 12 to 14 months to build a truck like this, and within that time period the current truck will be getting closer to 30 years old.
Reach Miranda Davis
at 413-772-0261, ext. 280
or mdavis@recorder.com.