According to a report from The Monroe News, the Monroe (MI) Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) will be receiving a new addition to its truck fleet after the Monroe Charter Township officials gave the town’s highest ranking safety official, MVFD Chief Mark Cherney, permission to purchase a new Pierce Manufacturing Inc. Velocity Chassis firefighting engine for the department.
Cherney asked for the funding Tuesday night during the board’s monthly meeting (held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic).
The township board unanimously approved the request to release money needed for the first payment installment, which is about $467,000. The 100-foot mid-mount engine will cost more than $1.4 million.
Cherney said the new truck will replace two engines currently in use by the department. One truck, which features a 50-foot nozzle, will become the new backup truck. The other, purchased in 1988, will be sold off.
The Chassis model, known for its safety features, will boast a five-section ladder. He and a committee from the MVFD selected the Pierce product after reviewing several possibilities and manufacturers.
Cherney said the funds were needed swiftly to help the township save money. By working out a payment schedule with Pierce, making a payment now and then following that schedule, will decrease the overall cost by more than $70,000.
The Chassis model is very popular within the firefighting industry. Funds generated from the fire millage passed in November will be used to make the purchase. Before putting the issue to voters, Cherney said the millage would be used to replace the MVFD’s current aerial truck.
The truck, which is the one the township plans to retire, has racked up high maintenance costs, which have often been discussed at township meetings.
The Chassis model will likely incur far less expense, according to Cherney.
It will take approximately six or seven months for Pierce to build the engine. Cherney also said that the truck will be designed to specifications outlined by himself and the MVFD.
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