This from Christopher Holmes:
I recently learned that Sugar Grove got rid of their aerial ladder and are selling it.
2006 Pierce Dash 100′ Platform 2000/300 being sold to raise funds for the Sugar Grove FPD. Brindlee Mountain photo
This aerial is being surplused because anticipated commercial retail development in the first due area did not occur after the economic downturn. The aerial ladder firetruck is being replaced with a fire rescue pumper that will better meet the needs of the community. The aerial ladder is in immaculate shape and has very low miles.
Here is an abbreviated excerpt from the meeting minutes pertaining to the sale of surplus fire apparatus:
Here is a link to the complete Meeting Minutes where they agree to sell it:
#1 by JS on March 30, 2014 - 6:25 AM
Looks like someone will be getting a clean rig. I’m not a fan of multi-role apparatus, but with staffing issues and the economy more departments are going that route. Especially in the south suburbs, it was more common for FDs to run squads (Orland, Frankfort, and Joliet to name a few.) Over the last 10 years, many have gotten away from that and gone to rescue pumpers or assigned that role to truck companies.
#2 by 0.02 on March 29, 2014 - 11:54 PM
I’m sure they have a chief. They have not had good luck with trucks for a while. The tiller was junk and this used one was just as bad. I’m sure this was just like buying a used car, “yeah, she’s great. No problems at all” departments need to stop trying to make one rig do everything. If it’s a truck put truck stuff on it, forget the tank, and pump and other crap that is added maintenance and wear and tear. Why do you think everything has tandems now. I think it comes down to staffing and if you can’t staff it, don’t buy it
#3 by T. B. on March 29, 2014 - 7:11 PM
Oh 0.02, I was not even going to go there but you did! What is going on in that town? Who is running the Fire Department? The mechanic and the politicians? It sure does not seem like it is the Fire Chief. Do they have one?
#4 by 0.02 on March 29, 2014 - 6:18 PM
This rig doesn’t seem like a pile of junk that requires 100k in extra work so Niles wouldn’t be interested in it.
#5 by T. B. on March 29, 2014 - 3:09 PM
RPF, now you are thinking! They could be a member of the Tower club quicker then they expected, and for a lot less money! The money saved here could be used to update their stations? Just a thought….
#6 by RPF on March 29, 2014 - 2:46 PM
Doesn’t Niles like to buy used ladder trucks???
#7 by Bill M on March 29, 2014 - 1:33 PM
I don’t think they have any buildings in their district that constitute a 100′ tower. Just another rig to polish.
#8 by grumpy grizzly on March 28, 2014 - 2:54 PM
Engine x, drop a line and raise your 35′ aerial to the roof, I mean your ground ladder!
#9 by Mike L on March 28, 2014 - 2:14 PM
As the letter above states, Sugar Grove is a Fire Protection District so the money is all theirs.
A Fire Protection District is an autonomous agency that is governed by their own board of trustees either elected by residents in said district or appointed by the county board. Municipalities have no authority over a fire protection district.
#10 by Chuck on March 28, 2014 - 1:59 PM
Wonder if the Fire Department will actually SEE any of that money generated by the sale or if the City fathers will “appropriate” it for other projects.
#11 by Rich on March 28, 2014 - 4:54 AM
What are they thinking a rig that brought and paid for.
#12 by Big Moe on March 27, 2014 - 10:49 PM
I imagine there will come a day in the not too distant future when they will regret this sale.
#13 by Michael M on March 27, 2014 - 9:43 PM
What Kind of Engine are they using as their front line rig? Have they sent out bids for their new Rescue Pumper?