HELEN — After discussing the matter for about a year, the Helen City Commission has approved moving forward with the purchase of a new fire truck and related equipment to protect the city.
"We've had a panel that's been working on this for several weeks now," said Mayor Fred Garmon.
After meeting with three fire engine companies, Helen Fire Chief Jody Prickett recommended an HME pumper.
"That's what the county has a lot of, and it's a good vehicle," said City Manager Jerry Elkins. "Along with that, there will be about $35,000 worth of equipment that will be purchased at the same time that the truck is being purchased."
Elkins recommended the purchase of an HME pumper for just more than $400,000, and the additional equipment for $35,000. Delivery time on the truck is 240 days (eight months).
"I'm going to make a motion to authorize the city manager to pursue the purchase of a fire truck from the company HME for the quoted amount, $407,000 for the truck, and $35,000 for additional equipment," said Commissioner Cinnamon Spurlock at this week's city commission meeting.
The remaining four commissioners all seconded almost simultaneously. The vote passed unanimously.
Speaking after the meeting, Spurlock explained why she believes the purchase is necessary at this time.
"It's very important to the city," Spurlock said. "The current fire truck that we have is, I believe, a 1988 model. It’s been well maintained, but it's time to retire the truck. I believe we're going to keep that one, but we're going to need a new one to keep our residents as safe as possible."
Prickett has said the current Engine 8, at 20 years old, would become a service truck, which earns ISO credit for the city. Additionally it would serve as a back-up engine.
Regarding the additional equipment, Spurlock said, "it's required equipment that's needed that doesn't come with the base truck."
