UPDATE: Saugerties village officials are urgently considering a $1.1 million expenditure to purchase a new fire truck, following alarming reports about the safety issues of their current vehicle, which has been in service for 23 years. During a Village Board meeting on December 1, Fire Chief Chris Mason highlighted critical problems with the aging truck, emphasizing that immediate action is essential.
The current vehicle suffers from severe air leaks, which could jeopardize its braking system. “If we don’t have air, it’s going to basically not let us go anywhere, or could cause the brakes to fail,” Mason warned. These issues have forced the fire department to rely on a compressor to maintain functionality, raising serious safety concerns for the firefighters.
Further complicating matters, the truck’s generator—which powers essential electric tools and portable lights—frequently malfunctions. “There are parts that I don’t think are available for that,” Mason added, underscoring the growing repair challenges as the manufacturer, American LaFrance, is no longer in business.
In addition to air and generator problems, firefighters have expressed uncertainty about their fuel and water levels due to a deteriorating fuel tank and faulty gauges. “The fuel tank is a steel tank that’s starting to rust, and the fuel gauge, we’re not sure sometimes if it’s correct,” Mason said. The urgency for a new truck is compounded by rising costs; the previous truck was purchased in 2015 for around $600,000.
As discussions continue, Board members are considering the implications of a new purchase on the village’s fire rating, which influences local insurance rates. Mayor Bill Murphy noted the impact of tariffs on equipment prices, stating, “The tariffs were a big factor, and we don’t know how it’s going to play out over the next three or four years. That’s the scary part.”
Mason cautioned that delaying the purchase could lead to even higher costs: “The longer we wait to go ahead with this, the more expensive the truck’s going to be.”
The Saugerties Village Board is expected to make a decision soon, weighing the financial and safety implications of this critical purchase. Community members are encouraged to stay informed as the situation develops, given the potential impact on local fire safety and insurance costs.
This urgent discussion underscores the importance of timely upgrades for emergency services, ensuring that firefighters have the necessary tools to protect the community effectively.
