Jefferson City Fire Department looks to replace entire frontline fleet

The Jefferson City Fire Department is looking to replace all fire trucks in its frontline fleet.

Right now, the City Council is considering a more than $5 million financing agreement to replace all seven of the department’s trucks that are in service day-to-day.

Industry best practices recommend a 20-year life cycle for fire trucks, 10 years as part of a frontline fleet and 10 years as a reserve truck, or those on standby if a frontline truck needs repairs or an extra truck is needed, according to Jefferson City Fire Chief Matt Schofield.

The department’s current frontline fleet of two ladder trucks, two rescue engines and three pumper trucks is nearing its time for replacement. But Schofield said the large price tag is well-worth it.

“The need to invest in the Fire Department’s fleet is critical to provide our community with safe and effective equipment and deliver the best possible service,” Schofield said.

A committee of seven firefighters has been researching and working with different manufacturers for more than a year to find the best options.

Some improvements the new fire trucks may include are compressed air foam systems, which would enable crews to put out flames with more effective foam instead of water, cameras on the ends of aerial ladders and remote nozzles.

If the financing agreement is approved, it will take about another year for a selected manufacturer to build and deliver the trucks, according to Schofield.

The city would make payments on the lease-purchase over the next 11 years.

The City Council is set to vote on the financing agreement at its next meeting on May 1.