Freeport Volunteer Fire Department to Receive New Borough Funded Fire Truck

Freeport officials have agreed to fund a new fire truck for volunteer firefighters.

The Board voted unanimously to approve a 10-year, $ 250,000 loan through Volunteer’s Financial Services (VFS) at a fixed rate of 3.35%.

These funds, plus $ 300,000 in capital project funds, will be used to cover the cost of a new truck from Pierce Manufacturing, based in Wisconsin.

VFS was founded in 1987 by a volunteer firefighter and specializes in financing devices and building fire stations.

Councilor Josh James, a borough firefighter, did not have to withdraw from the vote, according to borough lawyer Matthew Kalina. Board members Mary Bowlin and Justin DeAngelis resigned ahead of this month’s meeting.

Annual loan payments are estimated at approximately $ 29,000 and would be covered by the borough’s annual contribution of $ 30,000 to the fire department.

The new custom model will replace an aging truck. The 1987 Mack Grumman Fire Truck of the Volunteer Fire Department failed a pump test this year.

That, combined with other factors, such as rusting in several places, pushed it beyond the standards for emergency vehicles in service under the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Marshal said. Michael Greiser fires, and he must be removed.

The purchase of this new fire truck will help the department achieve NFPA compliance, which will be achieved by increasing staffing, personnel, equipment and water / pump capacity.

It will also help increase its rating with the Insurance Services Office (ISO). ISO is an advisory and rating body for the property and casualty insurance industry.

Greiser takes care of the paperwork for the purchase on behalf of the borough.

“We contacted the manufacturer with the signed version of the purchase contract submitted to them last night,” he said. “We are working on the documents to finalize the loan as the last part of the buying process.”

Greiser said the fire truck committee will meet once again ahead of production to finalize a final set of specifications for the truck.

The truck is still in the design phase.

It should not be received by the borough for at least 15 months.

The specifications offered include a tank of at least 750 gallons and a pump capable of handling 2,000 gallons per minute. The truck will be equipped with a remote-controlled deluge gun, a low rear hose bed, a 360-degree camera system as well as 360-degree reflective stripes and LED lighting.

Ladders and other equipment would be stored inside the truck rather than on its sides.

Council Chairman Clint Warnick said the cost of the fire truck is expected to increase by about $ 40,000 next year, so it was best to approve the purchase this month.

“We’ve been working with firefighters on this topic for six to eight months since we started the talks,” Warnick said. “The borough has an obligation to ensure the safety of the community. By doing this, we made it happen.

James said the new truck would be a boost for the department as well as the borough.

“This is good news,” he said. “The fire department has a 34 year old engine that has served the borough very well for years. However, he has his problems. The purchase of this new engine allows the fire department to benefit from the most sophisticated and modern technology and engineering available, along with long-lasting service and warranty to enhance the longevity of this engine. in the district.

“The purchase of this engine will also increase the borough’s ISO (fire insurance) rating. As a borough citizen, this is good news for everyone.