The Jackson Fire Department’s current ladder truck has responded to countless fires over the years and has saved lives.

But it’s time the 23 year old fire truck hangs up its hoses.

“It has served us well. But its life expectancy is coming to a close. Maintenance costs are becoming prohibitive,” said Deputy Chief David Wooden of the Jackson Fire Department.

The fire department recently got permission from the city council to order a new $1 million ladder truck.

• New paramedic engine for Engine Company 5 in North Utica.

• New 100-foot tower ladder for Truck Company 2 in downtown.

• New 75-foot aerial ladder for Truck Company 3 which can be utilized by any station in the city as needed

The purchase of these vehicles is consistent with the department’s plan to improve its equipment and lower future maintenance costs, officials said, and all of the apparatuses came with a five-year preventative maintenance policy,which will save the city money.

“In March 2017 the brigade announced plans to upgrade and replace its existing fleet of 15 aerial appliances. In July, as part of a review into the brigade’s resources requested by the Mayor, the Commissioner said it would be beneficial to incorporate up to five extended height aerial appliances into that fleet of 15,” a spokesperson said. 

“Exactly which aerial appliance the brigade would benefit from is still being reviewed. The final decision will take into account the range of crucial tasks aerial ladders perform at incidents which include providing high level lighting, for use as observation platforms and as a way of delivering water from height onto a fire. It should be noted that fires in high rise buildings are usually fought internally which is why the building’s fire safety measures are so crucial and why the longest ladders available are rarely the most effective way of responding. Rescues from fires in high rise premises are almost always undertaken by firefighters working within the building.”

The amount came in lower than the city originally anticipated. In late November, the City Council voted unanimously to approve the three-year lease-purchase of a new Sutphen Heavy Duty Custom Pumper Truck for the AFD at a cost not to exceed $496,025 “plus any associated costs for leasing the equipment.”

The lease payments are already included in the 2018 fiscal year budget, council members said previously, and the Fire Department will own the truck after the $483,521 amount is paid off.

Alabaster Fire Chief Jim Golden said the new truck will replace aging AFD equipment and likely will be delivered by mid-summer of 2018 after it is built to the AFD’s specifications.