Chase Fire Rescue will be getting a new-to-it rescue truck next year after council approved the funding request for $80,000.

At the Nov. 26 meeting, Fire Chief Brian Lauzon presented a report to council regarding the purchase of a "newer" 2005 F-550 truck that, while still 20 years old, is newer than the department's current 1999 Freightliner model that is "approaching the end of its serviceable life." 

"As the truck ages, its reliability has significantly declined, and repairs have become more frequent and costly," he said in the report. "Beyond mechanical issues, the vehicle's design poses serious safety concerns."

Among the issues with the current truck is the fact it can only hold two people and, while the rear compartment can hold up to three more, it lacks safety features like shoulder belts and airbags. In contrast, the new truck has "modern safety enhancements" such as four-wheel drive, air bags, traction control, anti-lock brakes and can seat five members in the cab.

The F-550's age, however, gave Coun. Dan Stevens some pause.

91裸聊视频淚 know that engines and other fire trucks can have life spans on them," he said. "The truck91裸聊视频檚 20 years old, albeit it91裸聊视频檚 in good condition, are we going to run into an issue when we91裸聊视频檙e going to have to replace the truck sooner rather than later?91裸聊视频�

Lauzon assured council that he had looked it over personally and declared it mechanically sound, and reported there's only 33,000 kilometres on it. He also mentioned there isn't a regulating agency that could force the vehicle's early retirement.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 only the engines that are controlled by the underwriters for insurance purposes," he explained. "All the other vehicles that we have in our fleet are not regulated by any other aspect except commercial vehicle inspection."

Council unanimously approved the request for the purchase that will require $65,000 for the truck itself but tax, decals and emergency equipment such as lights, siren and radio, bring it up to $80,000. That will be funded from surplus, and the existing Freightliner will be sold via sealed bids once it's decommissioned to help offset the cost.