The Hagerstown Fire Department is about to become the owner of two new aerial fire trucks costing little more than $2 million that will replace two outdated models that are getting tougher to maintain. The Hagerstown City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to purchase the second truck for $1.2 million.
The first truck has been delivered. It was parked Tuesday at Atlantic Emergency Solutions dealership in Williamsport, where the fire department and the dealership are working out final details on the rig. That truck, which will be stationed at Pioneer Hook and Ladder on West Franklin Street, cost the city $1.1 million.
City Fire Chief Steve Lohr appeared before the council last week to request that it expedite the purchase of the second truck.
The previous administration agreed to purchase the second truck in 2018, but Lohr told the council and Mayor David S. Gysberts that he has been able to line up a discount from the Pierce manufacturing company if the vehicle was purchased now.
Since the city purchased the first truck, Pierce has imposed three 3.5 percent price increases, and a similar hike is anticipated in October, he said.
Lohr said Pierce quoted him a subtotal price of about $1.3 million for the second truck. But if the city purchases the truck now, it would enjoy several discounts bringing the price down to $1.2 million, he said.
In addition, the Western Enterprise Fire Co., where the second truck would be headquartered, has agreed to contribute $150,000 toward the purchase, bringing the city's cost down to a little more than $1 million, according to Lohr.