( KLZA)-- The Falls City Council has agreed to have a third party inspect a 2003 ladder truck in Burlington, Vermont for possible purchase.
If the report is favorable, the Council approved Council members Lucas Froeschl and Mitch Merz negotiating a price for the truck which has a list price of $70-thousand.
Longtime Falls City Volunteer Firefighter Jon McQueen told the Council the current truck, purchased in 1981 has been a valuable tool in fighting fires even though it is not needed on a regular basis. He said even with hydraulic problems during the Mexican restaurant fire in the 1500 block of Stone Street it helped save buildings.
McQueen says unfortunately, it is likely there will be more needs for a ladder truck in the future. He noted that ladder trucks in Auburn and Hiawatha also have issues and may not be able to respond to a fire in Falls City.
McQueen noted the current fire trucks are reaching the end of their expected length of reliable service. The current ladder truck is going on its 40th year of service in Falls City while the second pumper is coming up on 28 years of service. Industry standards suggest replacing trucks every 30 years.
The current ladder truck has not been able to be certified since 2014 with 88 citations issued for various problems including the extension lift cylinder.
In 2018 a demonstrator truck was brought to Falls City, it had a price tag of more than $900-thousand and would likely be more than a million dollars now.
The truck being considered for purchase is a 2003 Emergency 1 with a 95 foot-ladder. The truck has 73-thousand miles on it, but McQueen feels with anticipated limited usage, it could serve the department for 10 – 15 years. The list price is $69-thousand and the current ladder is certified.
Once the city receives information from the inspection, they will decide whether to move forward with negotiations to purchase the truck.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton man killed in Jackson Co crash
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Falls City man sentenced to Federal Prison
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Ground Broken for new Sac and Fox Trad'n Post
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
Jackson Co traffic stop leads to arrest
One held for past Atchison shooting
90 mph+ downburst winds blamed for Thursday damage
Wamego man sentenced in second fentanyl-related death
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Early Thursday storms leave damage, outages, locally
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
LATEST STORIES
Pawnee City School Board approves personnel changes
Hazard mitigation planning meeting set for Atchison County MO
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
SE Nebraska March unemployment report
Falls City Career Academy to open during 24-25 school year
Denim Day declared for Nebraska state colleges