By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory is looking into a new rescue pumper.

During a June 7 board meeting, WWFT Lieutenant Travis Rowland presented a proposal from Hoosier Fire Equipment Inc. The proposal is for a 2023 Smeal/Spartan 1,500 GPM (gallons per minute) rescue pumper priced at $861,329. This price includes a $58,967.58 discount through Sourcewell. According to documents from Hoosier Fire Equipment Inc., the proposed fire apparatus will be ready for delivery about 390 calendar days after the effective date of the order.

Documents also state that the company reserves the right to withdraw the current proposal unless it is accepted within 15 days of the proposal’s send date to the territory. The proposal was sent to WWFT on June 1.

WWFT Chief Garrett Holderman said approval from the board of the proposal would allow the territory to enter contract negotiations for the purchase. The truck would be part of WWFT’s 2023 budget.

“We just want to get the ball rolling,” said Holderman. “It (the truck’s purchase) will not come out of this year’s budget.”

Rowland said an identical apparatus was purchased by WWFT in 2019. He also noted that a 6% cost increase on the apparatus is expected to happen on July 1.

“Unfortunately, prices have skyrocketed,” said Rowland. “Prices have increased 24% from the time we purchased that (2019) truck, which is Squad 4 in Station 3.”

“We are trying to get more uniformity so all equipment is the same,” said Holderman. “That’s the route we’re trying to go. As expensive as this is, I want to save as much money as we can.”

“In addition to a proposed 6% increase, I think we’d be foolish not to just move on this and get it done before the date,” said Common Councilman and WWFT Board Member Mike Klondaris.

The board approved WWFT pursuing the proposal with Hoosier Fire Equipment Inc.

In other business, Holderman said the territory has hired Mikaela Bixler as its Community Assistance, Resources and Emergency Services (C.A.R.E.S.) community health coordinator. She will begin working on Monday, June 13. Holderman said Bixler will be at the board’s next meeting.

WWFT’s next board meeting is at 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 5.