Fire trucks for sale
Updated: December 6, 2012
CHAMPAIGN -- The fire department plans to get three new fire trucks in 2013. That means the department will sell three trucks they already have.
The trucks are just about done rolling with the fire department. One of them is older than some of the firefighters.
"It hasn't actually been in service, but it was purchased in the 60's," said Deputy Fire Chief Eric Mitchell. "And two of the reserves were purchased in 1994."
Mitchell said most of the trucks spend 15 years on the streets. Then they're ready to retire after another 3-5 in reserve. After time's up, the trucks get sold. Anyone who wants one can place a bid.
"We actually had a tree service that purchased one of our older aerial trucks a few years ago," said Mitchell. "They saw the need and thought that truck would fit their need so they bought it."
But before they leave the station, all the emergency equipment comes off. That includes the fancy lettering and flashing lights. It's part of the circle of life for the big red trucks. And soon three more will join the ranks of the retired.
"One of the things the public expects us to do and we expect is to have good reliable equipment to respond to emergencies," said Mitchell. "These apparatus we'll be buying are the latest, most modern apparatus available."
The city council approved a plan to buy the new trucks this week. The total cost will be about $1.4 million. That money will come from the city's vehicle replacement fund. The trucks will be here by late summer or early fall.
The trucks are just about done rolling with the fire department. One of them is older than some of the firefighters.
"It hasn't actually been in service, but it was purchased in the 60's," said Deputy Fire Chief Eric Mitchell. "And two of the reserves were purchased in 1994."
Mitchell said most of the trucks spend 15 years on the streets. Then they're ready to retire after another 3-5 in reserve. After time's up, the trucks get sold. Anyone who wants one can place a bid.
"We actually had a tree service that purchased one of our older aerial trucks a few years ago," said Mitchell. "They saw the need and thought that truck would fit their need so they bought it."
But before they leave the station, all the emergency equipment comes off. That includes the fancy lettering and flashing lights. It's part of the circle of life for the big red trucks. And soon three more will join the ranks of the retired.
"One of the things the public expects us to do and we expect is to have good reliable equipment to respond to emergencies," said Mitchell. "These apparatus we'll be buying are the latest, most modern apparatus available."
The city council approved a plan to buy the new trucks this week. The total cost will be about $1.4 million. That money will come from the city's vehicle replacement fund. The trucks will be here by late summer or early fall.
