August 13, 2024 |
Photo – Fire truck from Rawlins – Courtesy Rawlins Fire Department
The Saratoga Fire Department is adding two preowned fire trucks to its fleet. The cost makes it appear like the town is getting the units at a steal.
During the August 6th Saratoga town council meeting, Assistant Fire Chief Tom Westring said the Rock Springs Fire Department has offered the town a chance to purchase a 24-year-old ladder truck for $5,000. The council members were surprised by the low cost of the truck.
Assistant Chief Westring said the truck appears to be in good condition for its age. Westring was unable to provide more details about the vehicle, but mentioned it has a 75-foot ladder and a 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump. The assistant fire chief also said he didn’t know how many miles or hours were on the truck.
Mayor Chuck Davis asked if the $5,000 price included any additional firefighting equipment. Westring responded that it did not, but mentioned that the Saratoga Fire Department could sell a 40-year-old fire truck and transfer its equipment to the new vehicle.
Councilwoman Kathy Beck asked if the $5,000 price tag includes the cost of delivery from Rock Springs. Westring said it does not. The assistant fire chief said he’ll have someone physically drive the fire truck back to Saratoga.
Westring said the ladder and pumps on the fire truck passed their annual inspection last month. The assistant fire chief said he’ll have a local mechanic fix a few small issues before finalizing the purchase.
Councilwoman Beck, saying the price of the fire truck seemed too low, asked if it was properly maintained. Mayor Davis said he believes the well-funded Rock Springs Fire Department is simply getting rid of outdated equipment.
Assistant Fire Chief Westring said the new truck is likely to improve Saratoga’s Insurance Services Office, or ISO, rating. A low ISO rating indicates that the town has strong fire protection, which can lead to lower home insurance premiums for residents.
The town council approved the purchase of a fire truck for $5,000, plus an additional $1,000 to cover expenses for transporting the vehicle to Saratoga.
On the same evening of August 6th, the Rawlins city council voted to donate an unneeded 26-year-old fire truck to the Saratoga Fire Department. Rawlins Fire Chief Alan Robinson said the truck will improve Saratoga’s ISO rating. Chief Robinson also said the vehicle has been inspected and is ready to go.
Back at the Saratoga town council meeting, Saratoga Assistant Fire Chief Westring told the governing body that the town was the only entity to show interest in the Rawlins fire truck.
Westring did not specify when the trucks will arrive in Saratoga.
