City officials are debating whether a recent rash of Decatur Fire and Rescue fire truck breakdowns are the result of past decisions to purchase used trucks. Two weeks ago, the fire department didn't have a ladder truck or reserve engine pumper, and Station 1 on Fifth Avenue Southwest was without a truck for a day because of the breakdowns, said Fire Chief Tony Grande.
Two weeks ago, the fire department didn't have a ladder truck or reserve engine pumper, and Station 1 on Fifth Avenue Southwest was without a truck for a day because of the breakdowns, said Fire Chief Tony Grande.
Grande said the department "just went through a spell" where multiple trucks broke down. He said it was particularly unusual for both of the city's ladder trucks to have problems requiring service at the same time.
Fire and Rescue usually operates with a ladder truck and eight pumper engines in service and a ladder truck and two pumper engines in reserve, but Grande said the breakdowns left the department a little short.
However, Grande said the city was covered. The department took advantage of a deal in which it can temporarily lease trucks from Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus, of Oak Grove.