News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Monterey Fire Chief Kevin Peters will lead the search for a ladder truck replacement.
Peters said a used ladder truck with safety features the department needs would cost around $150,000.
“I am wanting a platform, so you can get up and see exactly what you are looking at down below,” Peters said. “That fire the other day we were having to use a deck gun, which is on top of the fire truck. You kind of lob the water up onto it, so you are not for sure if you get any water where it needs to be.”
The Board of Alderman Monday night briefly discussed the need for the truck after Saturday’s Perdue Farms Plant fire. Alderman decided in the summer to postpone a purchase because of revenue concerns. Peters said the next step is to talk to the board about what it wants in the new truck.
“The way it happened last time, I did find one and then brought before the board,” Peters said. “They just did not have the money at the time with the COVID. They did not know what the revenue intake was going to be. That is why they did not approve it.”
Peters said a 2000’s model ladder truck is the best option price wise while still having about 25 years of service. Peters said online auctions are the primary way of buying used ladder trucks.
Any affordable options would be presented to the Board of Alderman for consideration. Monday, Alderman Nathan Walker said the search for a fire truck should happen, and the board gave permission to start the process.
