“It’s a 1991 (model) with 140,000 or 150,000 miles on it, and we’re starting to see quite a few mechanical breakdowns,” Fire Chief Ryan Hall said.

One of the last straws came a couple of summers ago when the three-quarter-ton Chevy fire truck had to be towed to Missoula for repair.

“There’s nothing more embarrassing than having a fire department rig on a tow truck going through town,” said Hall.

The cost was approximately $141,000, and it replaces a 30-year-old tanker truck at the Watson station, which was purchased used about 10-12 years ago.

The purchase had been discussed for several months by Hopkins Village, Hopkins Township, Watson Township and Monterey Township, who participate in a fire board partnership and would split the cost of the vehicle.