Belmont (NH) firefighters have settled on a new fire apparatus, and chiefs briefed local politicans on the decision recently.

Fire Chief Ken Erickson recommended that selectmen accept a bid from Pierce Manufacturing Corp. in the amount of $530,950. Erickson reportedly made the recommendation based on a number of factors including better warranty coverage and trade-in value for the old fire truck, as well as a better prepay discount.

The Pierce fire truck consists of a stainless steel cab chassis and multiplex wiring.  There is a 10-year non-prorated paint warranty on the cab valued at $6,700.  There is a 12-year paint warranty on the body of the engine that is non-prorated.

City Manager Craig McConnell announced the notification in this week's briefing to the Prescott City Council.

Prescott Fire Chief Dennis Light said Thursday, Aug. 18, that the grant award could bring an end to the regular "browning-out" (temporary closure) of the department's airport-area Station 73.

The fire department applied for the grant earlier this year, and has been awaiting word on the application for the past several months.

The next step is review by the Prescott City Council. McConnell's briefing memo stated that grant acceptance, as well as implementation information, is tentatively scheduled to be on the council's Sept. 13 meeting agenda.

Mayor Harry Oberg said Friday, Aug. 19, that he believes the grant would get council approval. "I don't think there will be any question; I think we'll accept it," he said.

Meanwhile, Light expressed optimism that the grant could help the fire department get through a tough budget situation. Although the SAFER grant would cover the firefighter positions for just two years, he said, "It would allow everyone to take a deep breath."

Noting that a number of variables could come into play over the next two years that could bring a longer-term solution, Light said, "(The grant) would allow us to reset the stage."

If accepted by the council, the grant likely would allow the city to have 57 firefighting personnel, Light said, which would equate to 19 people on three shifts. That, in turn, would allow for "17 persons on duty 24/7, 365," he added.

Plans for the new $750,000 structure call for a five-bay station to house the fire department's trucks and rescue vehicles along with office space, lockers and showers for firefighters.

"We've outgrown the old building," said Liberty Township Fire Chief Brandon Hughes. "They have been planning and saving money for the last 10 years to make this happen."

The fire department's current station at 202 E. Liberty Road has seven bays, but newer, larger equipment acquired over the years doesn't fit there, Hughes said.

The money needed to build the new station was collected through sporadic donations from the community and local business and the township setting aside funds for the last 10 years, Hughes said.

Construction of the new station started immediately following the ground breaking as crews began to dig out a well that will be able to pump out 650 gallons per minute.

Being a primarily rural township, many times the fire department has to plan on bringing its own water to the scene of a fire to put it out, Hughes said.