DARIEN, CT — The Darien Board of Selectmen this week approved an appropriation request of $1.12 million and a bonding authorization to replace a rescue pumper truck at the Noroton Fire Department.
The NFD’s apparatus replacement committee worked on the item for about 2.5 years, explained Chief Brendan Keane, who appeared before the selectmen with the request.
The committee decided the department needed to order a replacement for Engine 32, a 2002 Marion rescue pumper, rather than refurbish the current truck.
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“It is a big number,” Keane said of the request. “But this is an engine that needs to be replaced. It’s one of the first two apparatus out of Noroton.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association standard on fire apparatus, a piece of apparatus should be considered for front-line removal after 15 years of service, and then moved to a reserve status, and replaced after 25 years of age, Keane noted.
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The new truck, which will take approximately 2.5 years to build, will be similar to the current model, although it will be more compact with a smaller wheelbase to allow for tighter turns, Keane said.
It will also have the ability to carry 650 to 750 gallons of water for firefighting, and it will have 1,500 feet of hose for water supply from fire hydrants, plus a full complement of smaller hose lines for fire suppression. The truck will be equipped with rescue tools for motor vehicle accidents.
Selectman Michael Burke asked Keane how the committee evaluated the need for a replacement.
Keane noted as time has gone on, there have been more mechanical issues with the truck, including electrical problems where warning lights don’t work.
“Obviously, we have to take it out of service for that. You can’t have it go down the road without warning lights,” Keane said.
Additionally, there was “a significant mechanical breakdown” on the pump, which occurred at a fire scene, Keane said. The cab of the truck is also leaking water.
Selectman Monica McNally urged Keane to look into trading the current truck in. The rough estimate on a value is anywhere between $20,000 to $50,000, Keane said.
According to documents associated with the request, this will be the fourth Marion truck for the NFD, and the 10th for the town of Darien overall.
Marion, which is based in Wisconsin, will deliver the truck when the build is complete, Keane noted.
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