Fire chief asks council to replace equipment, hose, SUV

Posted Feb 9, 2012 By Derek Dunn

EMC News - Town staff has asked Arnprior council to spend $280,700 in fire service equipment this year.

The five projects made it on treasurer and acting chief administrative officer David Pollard's list of purchases that could be made without borrowing money.

Topping the list is fire service software.

The department works under a manual system, then files incidents with the province via email.

Having software tailored to the fire services, explained Chief John Okum, would save time and money by preventing duplication of records.

It would also be safer for firefighters if property details, fire hydrant locations and more were readily available.

The software system would incorporate the current manually-available data. The system costs $9,700.

Next on the list are an $8,000 fire hose and a $25,000 dry hydrant.

The hose would replace a damaged one that is out of service.

The hydrant would be located at the end of Baskin or Vandusen drives.

Okum would also like to replace the department's 1996 Suburban SUV at a cost of $58,000.

He said it "has its hiccups" but hasn't broke the 100,000-kilometre level yet. It is used daily, though, and during emergency responses.

Coun. Walter Stack got Okum to agree a car would be a suitable replacement, but that an SUV holds more equipment.

Mayor David Reid asked if a second truck could replace the SUV, but Okum said a car would be better.

Another replacement would be the 1990 equipment van at $180,000. It responds to all in-town incidents, carries all firefighters' gear and equipment, and provides scene lighting, among other duties.

It is recommended that fire vehicles are replaced every 15 years.

The van has "left us stranded a couple of times," Okum said.

Asked if he had to pick between the two vehicles, the chief said the van is a first-response vehicle and, therefore, more crucial.

Council learned that fire services will be asking for a new pumper truck next year.

Okum recommended last week that $53,000 plus benefits be included in the operational budget for a new fire prevention officer. Stack suggested selling off parts of the water and rescue unit - it has two Sea-Doos and a boat - now that the unit is scaled back to serve the town alone.

It was expected council will decide this week which projects to fund.

Derek.dunn@metroland.com