Lake Zurich emergency responders are shopping for new vehicles to replace and aging fleet with mechanical and body issues.
Trustees last week approved the purchase of a $207,000 2013 International 4300 ambulance with a Medtec AD170 body to replace a 15-year-old International Road Rescue ambulance that has a long list of needed repairs, according to a Fire Department memo. Fire officials also told the village board that a new “reserve” fire engine is also needed.
“We don’t take it lightly that we’re replacing the unit,” Fire Chief David Wheelock said about the ambulance. “Were just facing growing and growing maintenance costs.”
The current coach idles high, has outdated lighting and electrical systems, the floors have been repaired due to corrosion and the engine would likely have to replaced within a year, Superintendent of Fleet Services Steven Paulus wrote in the Jan. 31 memo.
The new ambulance will be paid for out of the village’s contingency funds. All trustees voted in favor of buying a new ambulance, except Trustee Jeffrey Halen, who was absent.
It’s an “essential” purchase, said Trustee Richard Sustich.
Following the approval of the new ambulance, Wheelock proposed a new fire engine that would not exceed $475,000 and whose cost would be split between the village and the Lake Zurich Rural Fire Protection District. Replacing part of the fire department’s fleet would be a year ahead of schedule, but much needed, Wheelock said.
Currently, the fire department’s fire truck with a 100-foot tall ladder apparatus is used in making first response calls when other smaller fire engines are out of commission, Wheelock said. The constant use of the aerial truck with the 100-foot-tall ladder apparatus is not how it was intended to be used when it was purchased, but is often called into play for routine alarms and accidents.
The mileage is racking up quickly on the aerial truck, and a back up would reduce the wear on all the vehicles, Wheelock said.
“We only have four engines and no reserve apparatus,” Wheelock said. “Recently, we had a radiator leak on one, and by the time that one got back in service, we had an electrical problem with another. This stress is going to continue.”
Trustee Terry Mastandrea, who retired as fire chief last year was behind Wheelock’s proposal.
“We’ve need this for years, but it always comes down to the money,” Mastandrea said.
Wheelock suggested bringing the proposal of a new fire engine back for discussion at a March village board meeting after finance officials have evaluate how the village would pay for a new fire engine.
“It seems like everyone is in favor, it’s a matter of whether we’ll fund it sooner or later,” said Mayor Suzanne Branding.
