UPDATE: The Covington Fire Department is urgently seeking city approval to purchase a used fire truck to bridge the gap while a new $2.3 million truck is under construction. Fire Chief Corey Deye made the request at a Board of Commissioners meeting on March 3. The proposal for a $310,000 used truck from the St. Matthews Fire Protection District in Louisville is set to be on next week’s consent agenda.
The need for this used truck is pressing. The new truck, approved for purchase earlier this year, will take approximately four years to manufacture, leaving Covington Fire with a 1994 truck that requires significant repairs. Deye reported that the aging vehicle needs about $30,000 in repairs just to return to service, following two engine rebuilds and a history of mechanical issues.
“We are concerned whether it makes sense to continue investing in this apparatus of this age or not,” Deye stated during the meeting.
The department is aiming for a 2009 tractor-drawn aerial truck from Pierce Manufacturing, the same company producing the new truck. This type of truck offers enhanced flexibility on the streets of Covington, which are often challenging for straight ladder trucks due to their design limitations.
Mayor Ron Washington highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the current main aerial ladder truck, known as Covington Fire Truck 7, is a 2004 model and has become increasingly difficult to maintain. Over the past two years, approximately $90,000 has been spent on its upkeep, with expectations that costs could reach about $180,000 over the next four years if it remains in service.
If the used truck is approved, it will assume the role of the department’s main aerial truck, allowing the 2004 truck to be retired into reserve status. This would help reduce wear and tear and lower maintenance costs significantly.
Commissioner Tim Acri raised questions regarding the advantages of using tiller trucks over straight ladder trucks. Deye explained that consistency in truck types simplifies training and that tiller trucks can navigate Covington’s older streets more effectively. Additionally, these trucks can reach higher, enabling firefighters to access third-story windows, a critical capability in emergencies.
The Board of Commissioners is expected to cast a final vote on this purchase next week. The outcome will significantly impact the operational capability of the Covington Fire Department, ensuring they can continue to serve the community effectively during the wait for the new truck.
As discussions unfold, the community is encouraged to stay informed and support local news coverage of this vital issue.
