The department will spend just over $34,000 to purchase a 2016 Ford F-250 4 by 4 Pickup from Currie Motors in Frankfort. The truck costs $29,670 and the department will spend an additional $4,450 to equip it with emergency lights and signage.

The pick-up will replace a 2003 Ford Explorer the village plans to retire. The pick-up will be used in fire prevention activities, fire investigations and in firefighting activities.

Some of the fire prevention and investigation activities the department does includes conducting fire and evacuation drills at schools, inspecting buildings for life safety and fire hazards, and reviewing new construction or remodeling projects to ensure they are in compliance with the fire code.

"The vehicle will also give the department the ability to transport hoses and tools at fire scenes and training activities," said Fire Chief Donald Gay. "It's a vehicle we need so we can remain in service."

Using the pick-up to transport some hoses and tools means the department also can protect more expensive fire trucks from damage from these items, he said.

He said the 2003 Ford Explorer needs to be replaced. According to a memo to the Village Board, a village mechanic found it has rust beginning under the carpet and needs new spark plugs, wires and ball joints and other work. A front fender and bumper suffered damage in an accident in February 2008 and the transmission has been replaced.