The truck is already being built so it is expected to take between six months and a year for it to be delivered to the city, Fire Chief Dean Desmarais said.

"It is an essential piece of equipment," Desmarais said.

The ladder truck is needed to reach any multi-story building. It also has a lift with a bucket which can carry up to 1,000 pounds, that can be used for easier and safer rescues than the ladder, he said.

The rear passenger side of the truck appeared to be damaged, and the rear bumper was in the road as authorities investigated. Fire officials said icy conditions may have contributed to the crash.

Rather than retire this 90's era fire truck, it now serves a single purpose -- to block anything from plowing into first responders who risk their lives on the side of the road.    This converted fire truck is back in service to stop near misses from happening -- two stations have one of these blocker trucks that can roll out every call -- a measure that they say will save lives and money.

Having two aerial trucks will help with the response time to fires. In the past when the CFD needed other aerial trucks, they would have to ask for assistance from Greencastle or Lafayette. With two trucks with long extension ladders, the department will be able to get water onto burning structures in a more timely manner. 

The new truck is a “quint” truck meaning it has a pump, water storage, ground ladders and an aerial ladder. Busenbark mentioned that with the newly acquired Waynetown Volunteer Fire Department aerial truck, there are three quint trucks available locally. Busenbark said in the event of a large downtown fire, or a fire at a manufacturing facility, the county is more prepared than ever to fight large fires.

The Fire Department says it’s getting four new pumping trucks this month with an additional four to be purchased in March. It is also getting two new High-Water vehicles this month thanks to private donations. And, HFD has been notified that Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation just awarded a grant for the purchase of a 4th High-water vehicle.