The JFD is purchasing a 2018 Pierce ladder truck for $1.15 million through the city's capital improvement bonds. The truck is being built from scratch and won't be ready until at least November 2018, said David Wooden, deputy director of fire services.

It will replace the department's only other ladder truck, which was purchased new in 1995. City Council approved the purchase 7-0 at its Tuesday, Dec. 19 meeting.  

"Our existing ladder has served us well," Wooden said. "I (have) pictures where it was used and saved people out of burning buildings. But it's lived its life, it's tired. It should be moved on to a department that maybe needs something a couple times a year."

The parcel at 320 Middlefield Road is adjacent to Fire Station 1 at 300 Middlefield. The land where the existing fire station sits was acquired from St. Patrick’s in 1952.  

Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman said the new parcel will enable the district to rebuild the station and expand its training facilities. The station, built in 1955 and seismically upgraded after the Loma Prieta earthquake, is considered the district’s “hub” because it contains administrative offices and hosts the fire board’s meetings.

“This purchase culminates a decade of effort and will allow us to rebuild, modernize and grow this facility to meet the community’s current and future demands and needs,” Schapelhouman said.

In the past couple years, more than $20 million has been spent to upgrade new ambulances, fire engines, lights, sirens, clothing, helmets, body armor, rescue gear and even hearing protection.  

Fire Commissioner Eric Jones says, "All of our energy, the administration, men and women in the field, its all been dedicated to providing professional services, saving lives and property."

The Board of Commissioners has authorized $233,013 toward an $833,000 total at its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The price includes the peripherals, such as on-the-truck equipment, according to the ordinance.  

The engine will replace a ladder truck, which has been out of commission since an accident last June 17.

The drive was a bit chill in the morning, but as the day warmed up, it was well suited for picking up toys. The back of the truck filled up with bicycles, stuffed animals and other fun items for children of all ages.  

Crawford said the truck has always been in the area. It was a firetruck for the mines outside of Oatman then eventually made it’s way to Bullhead City Fire Department. It was restored in the late 1980s and it’s now used to be put on display for virtually any community related event, Crawford added. This could be parades or in this case the toy drive.