Council agrees to proceed with purchase of new fire engine

The Red Oak City Council is proceeding with the purchase of a new fire truck for the Red Oak Fire Department.
At the regular council meeting June 5, the council approved a resolution approving procurement support for the new truck, estimated to cost around $1.2 million.
The action was taken following discussion May 30, when Red Oak Fire Chief John Bruce shared with the council that Engine 130, which was under reserve status, was now 34 years old and had failed pump tests in November 2019, August 2020, October 2021, and November 2022. National Fire Protection Association standards indicated reserve fire trucks should be no more than 25 years old, and Engine 130 was well beyond that time frame.
In addition to concerns about the truck’s performance during a fire call, Bruce said the significance of having effective fire engines, equipment, and personnel, also impacted insurance rates.
The ISO (Insurance Services Office) Fire Score is a rating that determines how well the fire department can protect the community and homes. The rating was at a four, which Bruce said was a good rating for being in a rural area, but the presence of the older truck could impact that score, which would then potentially affect insurance rates for not only Red Oak residents, but those in Montgomery County as well.
City administrator Kyra Smith said she had signed the city up for HGAC Buys, a nationwide, government procurement service.
“There are a few cooperative contracts through HGAC Buys that we are able to participate in. Hopefully, we will be able to use this and continue saving some funds,” Smith said.
While it was a cost savings, Bruce said he was unable to share at the time how much they’d be able to save on the purchase of the new truck.
Even with the council taking action, there was the potential it would take more than three years before the department would get the truck.
“The current time frame is 41 and a half months before delivery. They said they’ll ship it as soon as they can move it, but they’re saying 41 and a half months, and I’m sticking to that. It seems everyone is still playing COVID-19 catch up,” commented Bruce.
Bruce outlined what will take place next now that the council has taken the necessary action.
“There will be some revisions to the contract since we’re using government contracting. After that, Smith or Mayor Silvius needs to sign in, and then we can place the order. They won’t start the build until they have the contract in hand. We’re hoping that as they produce and get things going, the time frame may be less, but we just don’t know,” Bruce advised.
The proposed new fire engine would have the same cab and suspension as the aerial, making it easier to travel to rural fires. Another feature opted for would provide additional cabinet space on both sides for more hoses, extrication tools, or fire equipment. The truck would also carry 1,000 gallons of water, 250 more than the current front line engine.
Bruce expressed his appreciation to the Red Oak City Council for approving the fire truck, as well as the community and the efforts of Smith.
“So far there are good things, and I hope we keep moving that way,” said Bruce.