RICHARD ANDERSON
SOUTHWICK – Fire Chief Richard Anderson and a committee of firefighters recommended the town repair its pumper truck at a cost of about $120,000.
The 1993 apparatus was sent for minor corrosion repairs needed due to road salt but once in the shop it was discovered the problem was worse than what the eye could see.
“They took the water tank out and found rust on the frame,” said Anderson.
Because of Department of Transportation regulations, the frame must be rebuilt by the manufacturer.
Anderson formed a committee of firefighters to study the best approach to repairing or replacing the pumper. Options included repairing it, replacing it with like apparatus at a cost of $450,000, purchasing a similar truck without a custom chassis for $325,000, or buying a mini pumper for $225,000.
“The committee recommends – and it’s my opinion – we spend the money to repair it,” Anderson told the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee yesterday. “The taxpayers spent the money for this truck to last 30 years and we’re at 20.”
Anderson believes there is a minimum of 10 years left in the pumper once it is repaired.
The repairs should take 10-12 weeks. A new apparatus could take six to 12 months to complete. Several weeks ago the board discussed leasing an unused pumper from Suffield, Conn. if they chose to purchase a new truck. Because of the quick turnaround of repairs, the town would not need to rent a truck, but would rely on mutual aid if necessary.
Anderson said to prevent corrosion from occurring again due to salt, a hose attachment has been purchased to clean off the undercarriage of vehicles before returning them to bays.
Selectmen Chairman Russell Fox said the board and Finance Committee would meet next week to discuss how to proceed.
