COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater City Council gave Fire Chief Dave Schmaltz permission on Monday night to begin the process of creating apparatus specifications and then accepting bids for a new vehicle to replace a 1997 unit.
Rescue 1 was first used as a first out piece of equipment for all responses except structure fires. It held that distinction until 2010 when the current Engine 7 was placed into service. Rescue 1 then was placed into reserve and has been in that position ever since.
Rescue 1 was manufactured by American LaFrance which went out of business in 2014. It is one of three fire department vehicles that is over 25 years old.
Schmaltz says the availability of materials is still an issue so that means longer build and delivery times. He says if they place an order in January or February of 2022 the department might be able to take delivery by the end of 2022 or early 2023.
With the price of materials constantly going up, Schmaltz is anticipating that the cost will be in the neighborhood of $650,000 to $700,000.
Once the new apparatus arrives, Engine 7 will be placed into reserve and Rescue 1 will be sold.
Comments