Algood City Council approved the acquisition of a 105-foot ladder truck through a direct trade with another government entity Tuesday night.
Chief David Judd said the truck would provide firefighters with safer access to elevated complexes and other multi-level structures become more common.
“This would add a capability to the fire department that right now we either do not have, or that we have to put a firefighter in danger to accomplish something,” Judd said. “It’s something going forward with our apartments and bigger buildings that, a ladder truck, it’s the future of Algood.”
Judd said the truck would allow firefighters to conduct elevated rescues, improve roof ventilation and direct water into burning structures from approximately 75 feet above the ground. The department currently carries a maximum ladder length of 24 feet on its trucks, while a 35-foot ladder has remained at the station because no vehicle can transport it.
“Currently the largest ladder we carry on a fire truck is 24 foot,” Judd said. “We have a 35-foot ladder, but we don’t have a truck big enough to carry it, so it stays over at the station on the wall and it’s been over there since I’ve joined the fire department in 2011.”
City Administrator Keith Morrison said the 1991 Pierce Lance aerial truck has approximately 40,000 miles and passed initial operational testing, including its hydraulic and water systems. The city may seek an evaluation from Brindlee Mountain to identify immediate maintenance needs and potential future upgrades.
Judd said the exchange involves a surplus 2000 KME fire engine that is no longer being used. The receiving agency is a volunteer county fire department, but its identity will not be released until officials on that end approve the agreement.
In other business, the council approved a $14,803 purchase from Maury County Equipment Company to replace the mower deck and head on a John Deere side arm mower.