GILL — The Fire Department’s brush truck will finally be retired more than 35 years after it was built, with the Selectboard voting to order a 2023 model to replace it.
The current truck, a 1986 Chevrolet M1008 military surplus brush truck, has experienced ongoing mechanical issues as well as safety issues in recent years, according to a 2021 capital project request form. The new truck, a 2023 Ford F-450 XL SuperCab, will be ordered from MHQ, an emergency vehicle and accessories company, and is likely to cost around $54,000. Deputy Fire Chief William Kimball said he expects the vehicle to arrive around 14 months after the order is placed.
The Fire Department’s brush truck is a multi-use vehicle that is vital to performing various tasks, Kimball said.
“Our brush truck is our third most utilized vehicle on the department,” the capital project request form states. “It is the vehicle we use for towing the boat and traffic trailer. In addition to being our only off-road vehicle for fires and rescue, it is also our primary vehicle for wires down and storm damage calls due to its maneuverability. Other than our rescue, it is the only vehicle with four-wheel drive.”
The Chevrolet’s rapidly declining condition necessitated the escalation of discussions in 2021 to replace it.
“A recent radiator/oil cooler failure left us looking for used parts out of decommissioned state-owned vehicles as there are no longer new parts available,” the project request form reads. “Repair costs well exceed the value of the vehicle.”
“It’s time to upgrade it to something a little more reliable,” Kimball said Monday.
The capital request for the truck was carried over from last year. The initial request looked to use $55,000 from free cash. The Selectboard, Capital Improvements Committee, Finance Committee and possibly Town Meeting voters will now further explore funding options, Kimball said.
Selectboard member Greg Snedeker said due to trends of price increases, it’s a “logical choice” to order the vehicle now. Kimball noted that the $54,000 price point increased from $37,000 due to supply chain issues combined with supply and demand.
“I think we want to get the order in sooner than later,” Snedeker said.
The new vehicle is expected to have a service life of between 20 and 30 years, according to the Selectboard.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.