As with everything else it seems, the cost of fire trucks has increased dramatically in the last few years.
Culver-Union Township Fire Chief Terry Wakefield would like to update trucks on the department’s aging fleet, but delivered the sobering fact to the Culver Town Council members April 30 that a new engine is about $1.2 million. A smaller tanker truck than what the fire department has now is about $800,000.
He said there are trucks that are about 25 to 30 years old in service at the department and the previous decision to have a five-year rotation of replacing vehicles has been ongoing for a long time. Wakefield noted that now is the time to start having these discussions. He commented that the firefighters have taken very good care of the equipment to get them to last this long, but repairs are costly, if replacement parts can be found.
He said he’s spoken with Union Township Trustee Marlene Mahler and Culver Clerk-Treasurer Karen Heim about the situation, but asked the council to start the conversations now – especially with budget season approaching.
He added that there is a two year wait for delivery of any new fire truck.
