Two local fire departments are looking for new trucks. North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Chief Joe Leszek told the town council last week that his department is exploring various options to replace a tanker truck that was totaled in a rollover accident while responding to a house fire in January.
He said firefighters found a comparable used truck for $75,000, while a refurbished truck would be $125,000 to $135,000. A brand new truck would likely cost over $200,000 but last for 25 to 30 years. Leszek said he planned to meet with the Wayne Township Board and fire department leaders last week to get an idea of how much funding might be available.
Meanwhile, Winamac Fire Chief Bill Weaver recently told the town council there that the department has begun looking for a new pumper truck. He estimates the cost will be anywhere from $200,000 to $400,000. Weaver said it would replace a 1994 truck, whose maintenance costs are adding up.
