The City of Ypsilanti Fire Department got a new fire truck for Christmas, city council unanimously approved the purchase on Dec. 19.
Expected to cost $820,000, the truck is a KME, Kovatch Mobile Equipment, Aerial Cat Platform. The city approved the purchase after being awarded a $607,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The new truck will replace the department's 1974 Tele-Squirt.
"It's falling apart to be honest with you," Captain William Wagner said of the Tele-Squirt.
Wagner said the Tele-Squirt has some equipment, ropes and axes, from the 1950s. "Just basic equipment," Wagner said.
Payette and Associates, the firm handling the deal, offered to purchase the department's Tele-Squirt and 1976 Sutphen Platform, which has been decommissioned, together for $20,000. However, if the department can sell the trucks at a higher price, they are allowed. Wagner said the Sutpen is listed around $50,000 and the Tele-Squirt is listed around $20,000.
Wagner said he has been working to get the grant for more than five years. Called the Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant, he said the office of Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich, notified him that the grant had been awarded in September. During the city council meeting, he said he had been told it was the largest grant from the program that had ever crossed her desk. The grant is shared with the City of Lansing, who are purchasing a similar truck with the money.
"It is what they call a custom built truck," Wagner said.
He said the parts for the truck are being ordered now. When the parts are acquired, Wagner said the construction will take about four months. He expects the department will receive the truck this fall.
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