In November, we published an article noting that the Lake Zurich Fire Department planned to sell their Pierce tower ladder. Both the Journal Topics Newspaper (online version) and the Daily Herald covered the story, highlighting the Des Plaines Fire Department's interest in acquiring this ladder truck.
A Journal Topics piece from last Thursday mentioned:
"Tonight, members of the Des Plaines City Council will consider buying a used fire ladder truck that could meet the department's need for a replacement at a significantly lower cost."
The article continued:
"Alderman Walsten expressed his desire to replace the department's 23-year-old Simon LTI ladder truck, which is in poor condition. Since the manufacturer has ceased operations, obtaining replacement parts requires custom manufacturing, leading to both high costs and delays."
Des Plaines Fire Chief Alan Wax added: "Our current truck has surpassed its operational lifespan and will soon require decommissioning."
Initially, the 2013 budget proposed by the Des Plaines City Council included $1.4 million for a brand-new ladder truck. However, the decision to acquire a new vehicle has been postponed pending the results of a study examining whether two ladder trucks are truly necessary for the city. Even if the final decision reduces the number of active ladder trucks to one, a backup unit remains essential, according to Alderman Walsten.
"Walsten was thrilled when he learned about the availability of Lake Zurich's ladder truck," the article noted. "This 2000 model Pierce has only 66,000 miles on it and was inspected by a consultant who confirmed its excellent condition."
Walsten elaborated further: "The total cost of purchasing this truck, along with additional equipment and potential proceeds from selling or scrapping our current ladder truck, amounts to less than $390,000. This represents a saving of approximately $1 million for Des Plaines taxpayers, which is substantial."
Meanwhile, the Daily Herald reported on Monday:
"The Des Plaines city council will deliberate spending roughly $400,000 to buy a used aerial ladder truck from Lake Zurich to replace their aging ladder truck, which far exceeds its useful life span."
The public safety committee of the city has already approved recommending this purchase to the city council. Currently, Des Plaines operates two ladder trucks, serving the eastern and western halves of the city divided by railroad tracks. The numerous at-grade railroad crossings, frequently obstructed by trains, make it challenging to respond rapidly across town with just one ladder truck.
Chief Wax explained: "The value of the truck is appraised at $10,000, and it’s unlikely any department would buy it in its current state."
The city had earmarked $1.4 million from its equipment replacement fund in the 2013 budget for a new ladder truck, expected to last 18 years. Over the next few months, city officials will discuss whether maintaining two ladder trucks simultaneously is necessary. A study commissioned by the city council addressing this issue is still pending.
Even if only one ladder truck remains operational, Wax pointed out that a reserve truck is crucial in case the primary one malfunctions. Lake Zurich’s ladder truck, though 12 years old, has logged only 66,000 miles due to infrequent use and is in pristine condition.
As of now, these developments continue to unfold, and further updates may follow regarding the final decision by the Des Plaines City Council.
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