Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Fire chief hopes to buy used truck to better versatility
It's not at the end of its 30 years of service, but a replacement could improve firefighting abilities for Palouse and Whitman County Fire District 4.
PALOUSE - It's not broke, but they are prepared to fix the aging firetruck used by Whitman County Fire District 4 and the City of Palouse.
"We have some trucks pushing 30 years and are looking to replace them," said Whitman County Fire District 4 Fire Chief Scott Beeson. "We can't afford new trucks so we buy used."
Replacing the 25-year-old fire truck is in the initial stages of replacement. First, they are finding the finances to buy a new-to-them firetruck. Palouse firetrucks are replaced after 30 years of service.
It's a 1996 International truck chassis with a custom body built by a firefighting company in Colorado.
Replacing it would help reduce maintenance cost, lost repair time, and improve versatility.
"We've been having to put money into it to keep it in good shape," he said. "Once it reaches a certain age, we found it can be hard to find parts."
Beeson hops the district can find a 2010 model firetruck for $200,000 or less. They would be able to get 20 years of service from it before it hits the 30 years mark.
"It's not a great truck for our need and that's why we are looking to replace it a little earlier," he said.
The 1996 pumper-tanker carries 1,000 gallons, which is less than the district's 2001 KME pumper-tanker carrying 3,000 gallons. Replacing it with a newer model capable of carrying 000 gallons would allow the district to stop using an aging tender to carry water to fight fires.
Beeson hopes to replace two older trucks with one that serves more purposes than just hauling water.
"I don't have approval from the city or the fire commissioners," said Beeson. "We've been talking about this for a year and a half now and we are getting serious and to figure the money out."
Whitman County Fire District 4 has three fire commissioners and three city council members on the Joint Fire Board. The board needs to approve any vehicle purchase.
The fire department is 24 people, 18 being firefighters. The department is in the city and currently has a fleet of five firetrucks and two ambulances.
Bill Stevenson is the former editor of the Whitman County Gazette, Colfax Daily Bulletin and Franklin Connection. He has nearly 30 years of journalism experience covering news in Eastern Washington.
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