The Covington Fire Department has requested approval from the city to purchase a used fire truck as a temporary solution while awaiting the delivery of a new vehicle valued at $2.3 million. This new truck was authorized for purchase by city officials in February 2024. Fire Chief Corey Deye presented this request during the Board of Commissioners meeting on March 3, 2024.
The proposed acquisition involves a specific 2009 tractor-drawn aerial truck manufactured by Pierce Manufacturing. This truck is currently available from the St. Matthews Fire Protection District located in Louisville. The Board of Commissioners has placed the $310,000 purchase on the consent agenda for their upcoming meeting, indicating strong support for the acquisition.
Delivery of the new truck is expected to take approximately four years, leaving the Covington Fire Department in need of a reliable vehicle in the interim. Currently, the department’s oldest truck, dating back to 1994, is in dire need of repairs. Chief Deye highlighted that the old truck would require around $30,000 to restore it to operational status.
“Our 1994 truck has undergone significant mechanical issues, having been rebuilt twice already,” Deye stated. “At 32 years old, it raises concerns whether further investment in this vehicle is sensible.”
The department is particularly interested in acquiring a tiller truck, which features a unique design that pulls a ladder as a trailer and includes a secondary steering mechanism at the rear. This allows for improved maneuverability, especially on tight corners. The existing main aerial ladder truck, known as Covington Fire Truck 7, is a 2004 model that has also become challenging to maintain.
Mayor Ron Washington explained that Truck 7 serves the Latonia area and has required substantial maintenance. Over the past two years, the department has spent approximately $90,000 to keep it functional. If maintenance trends continue, Deye predicts that the department could expend around $180,000 over the next four years on this truck alone.
Should the Board approve the purchase of the used truck, it would become the department’s primary aerial vehicle, allowing the 2004 truck to be moved to a reserve status. This would help reduce wear and tear, as well as lower maintenance costs. Chief Deye remarked that the 1994 truck would need to be evaluated by the department’s mechanics, but he anticipates it may ultimately be sold.
Commissioner Tim Acri inquired about the advantages of tiller trucks compared to straight ladder trucks. Deye responded that having uniform truck types would simplify training for firefighters. Additionally, due to the age of many streets in Covington, straight trucks can struggle with maneuverability in certain areas.
“Tiller trucks are advantageous as they can extend ground ladders to reach a third-story window, while our pumpers are limited to the second story,” Deye explained. Furthermore, he noted that tiller trucks tend to be more cost-effective in terms of maintenance due to fewer complex mechanical components.
The Board of Commissioners will cast a final vote on the proposed used truck purchase next week. The outcome of this decision will play a significant role in ensuring the Covington Fire Department’s operational readiness during the delay in receiving their new truck.
