Frankfort Fire District to Purchase Two Used Engines to Address Fleet Gap, Budget Constraints

Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District is moving forward with a plan to purchase two used fire engines for a combined total of $635,000, a strategic move to bolster its aging fleet while avoiding the high cost and long wait times for new vehicles. The decision comes just one week after officials highlighted that buying a single new engine would create a significant deficit in the district’s capital fund.

Used Fire Engine Purchase Key Points:

• The board is pursuing the purchase of two used engines for $325,000 and $310,000, respectively.

• An additional $23,000 to $33,000 will be needed for updating lettering, maintenance, and shipping.

• The engines were personally inspected by a district mechanic and the interim fire chief.

• The purchase is seen as a “total win for the District” that helps bridge a gap in the fleet.

FRANKFORT — Facing the dual pressures of an aging fleet and tight capital funds, the Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees is pivoting to the used vehicle market, advancing a plan to purchase two used fire engines for a total of $635,000.

During the board’s June 17 meeting, Interim Fire Chief Paul Kinsella presented a proposal to acquire the engines as a cost-effective solution to the district’s equipment needs. The move follows a budget discussion at a special meeting a week prior, where officials revealed that ordering a single new engine would create a $236,000 deficit in the capital budget.

Kinsella, along with district mechanic Eric Hall, personally inspected the two proposed engines. According to Hall’s assessment, the first engine is “definitely a good buy” at $325,000, while the second, priced at $310,000, is in “okay shape” and mechanically sound.

If purchased, the engines would be similar to a 2017 PUC truck the district already owns, bringing the total number of engines with the same type of motor to four. Kinsella noted that an additional estimated $23,000 to $33,000 would be required for updating color and lettering, miscellaneous maintenance, and shipping costs.

Battalion Chief Jeff Wander told the board the purchase would be a “total win for the District.” He explained that personnel are already very familiar with the PUC engine type, which helps streamline operations and training. He added that the acquisition “helps bridge the gap in the fleet” and addresses both the price constraints and long timeframe issues associated with ordering new vehicles.

“Members [are] very supportive,” Wander said, confirming strong internal backing for the plan. The board took the information under advisement and is expected to take further action at a future meeting.