Although there was little fanfare involved, Bridgeport City Council approved a budget revision Monday that could be setting the stage for the future of fire fighting in the municipality. As part of appropriating money as the result of the city’s carryover balance – additional funds above those budgeted – the Fire Department will have a new apparatus in the near future.

 

During the work session portion of Monday’s meeting, City Manager Kim Haws recommended to Council that funds be approved for a new 75-foot quint unit for the fire department. The quint unit, Haws said, is the future of firefighting.

 

That future, like most fire service apparatus, isn’t cheap. Council approved $800,000 for what will be a brand new vehicle for use by the city’s fire department.

 

The money came from two sources. Dollars from the fund balance totaling $175,000 (dollars that were escrow dollars for a new ladder truck to be purchased in 10 years and a rescue vehicle) were included, while the remaining $625,000 came from the city’s capital reserve fund, said Bridgeport Finance Director Monica Musgrave.

 

So what is a quint? A quint serves the dual purpose of an engine, or a pumper, and a ladder truck. In other words, unlike a standard ladder truck that is typically only used for major structure fires and doesn’t receive as much usage, the quint can be used on regular calls as well.

 

The need for a new vehicle arrived when the fire departments’ reserve unit recently went out of service. The repairs to fix the 1986 pumper truck that is used as a backup suffered a busted head gasket, according to City Manager Kim Haws.

 

“It’s inoperable at the current time,” said Haws. “It’s going to be $80,000 to $100,000 to fix that.”

 

That led to Haws asking Chief Phil Hart to see what a used vehicle would cost to replace it. Hart said the cost was up to $200,000.

 

“The problem with that is that you’re taking over someone else’s problem and you don’t know what you’re getting,” said Haws.

 

The quint, Haws said, has all the equipment of a regular pumper truck and the addition of a 75-foot ladder. Haws said the quint would become part of the regular rotation of vehicles used by the department whereas he said the ladder truck is only taken out a few times a year.

 

“This would be much more functional,” said Haws.

 

The truck would have specifications drawn up with the Sutphen Company. Haws said Sutphen has agreed to provide a loaner truck to handle backup duties until such time as the new truck would be ready.

 

“With all the multi-units and needs, this makes good sense,” Council member John Wilson said.

 

Check back later this week for more coverage on the carryover balance.

 

Editor's Note: City Manager Kim Haws talks about the quint truck to members of Council during Monday's work session as Finance Director Monica Musgrave looks on. Bottom photo shows Council member John Wilson, who supported the purchase of the new unit along with his fellow Council members.