LEYDEN – After a complete pump overhaul, Leyden’s 41-year-old Engine 1 is back in service, Selectboard Chairman Jeffrey Neipp says.
Engine 1 was out of service for about four months, having arrived to Dan Galvis’ automotive repair shop in mid-December with a leaking pump. Though the Selectboard originally anticipated repairs to cost between $3,500 and $4,000, the cost totaled about $7,500, Neipp said.
Repairs to Engine 1 took longer than expected, with Neipp originally anticipating the truck could be back in service by the end of January.
“It took additional time to locate parts because of the truck’s age,” he said.
After failing the initial recertification process in Spencer, Neipp said, the pump was put back together and passed.
“It’s got a clean bill of health,” he said. “It’s not a frontline piece, but if you need to get somewhere where the hills are steep or the terrain is muddy, you can rest assured that this old truck will take you there.”
Discussions of repairs to Engine 1 stem back to last fall, when Neipp talked to a retired Greenfield firefighter with experience working on fire engines. Because of the truck’s age, Neipp said he was advised to “get it evaluated (by) a qualified mechanic” but “never did consult with anyone” before sending it to Galvis’ automotive repair shop.
Galvis returned Engine 1 during the Selectboard’s April 20 meeting, when it was put back in service. Leyden Fire Chief Clifford Spatcher said firefighters have already used Engine 1 to respond to a downed tree and utility pole since its return.
While Engine 1 was being repaired, Spatcher said firefighters responded to calls using a tanker. He said the department received three calls where Engine 1 should have been used.
“It wasn’t perfect, but it got the job done that way,” he said.
Spatcher said the department is glad to have all its assets back, and he has noticed an improvement in Engine 1’s pumping power, but for the amount of money spent, was hoping to see a greater improvement. However, further repairs are planned, Neipp said.
“We have an article for our annual town meeting to add another $4,500 for additional upgrades on the truck,” he said. The upgrades include making the engine fuel-injected, replacing the gauges on the pump panel and replacing its tires, which Neipp said might date back to the vehicle’s purchase.
You can reach Shelby Ashline at: sashline@recorder.com
413-772-0261 ext. 257