From Chris Wagner:

Article about discussion of adding a Snorkel in Hinsdale to replace the current truck.  Also a suggestion that the apparatus would be reduced from 5 to 4.

Excerpts from the Hinsdalean:

Hinsdale officials are planning to streamline the fire department’s fleet — and save some money in the process.

At Tuesday’s village board meeting, trustees signaled their support for acquiring a Snorkel fire truck to take the place of both the existing engine and ladder truck.

Interim Fire Chief Jeffrey Pindelski, who was hired in May, told trustees that he was asked to evaluate the department’s operations when he came on board.

The $1.7-million truck has the same footprint and maneuverability as an engine that has a 55-foot articulating boom with a basket on the end.

He acknowledged that it is not ideal for every community but said it’s a perfect fit for Hinsdale.

The village president said new EPA rules governing diesel vehicles soon will take affect, resulting in a higher cost for the new truck. Acquiring it would allow the village to sell its ladder truck immediately and not replace it in 2029 for $2 million as had been scheduled. Neither would the current engine be replaced in 2030 for an estimated $900,000.

The new truck would not be delivered until 2026 per the manufacturing timeline, and the village would not need to pay until then. Pindelski said that not having a ladder truck during the interim wouldn’t compromise department services because neighboring communities would assist.

Trustees are expected to vote on the purchase at their Sept. 17 meeting, as the deadline to place an order is Sept. 20 to avoid a price increase.

Excerpts from patch.com:

A couple of years ago, Clarendon Hills considered not replacing its old ladder fire truck, but residents and firefighters argued against such a move, with signs popping up around town. They said a ladder truck was important for public safety. The village decided to buy a truck.

Hinsdale, however, is going in a different direction.

At Tuesday’s village board meeting, trustees generally agreed with the fire chief’s plan to do away with the ladder truck and replace it with a more maneuverable truck known as a snorkel.

Chief Jeffrey Pindelski was asked why other departments were getting ladder trucks, rather than snorkels.

If Hinsdale ever needed a ladder truck, it could ask for help from neighboring towns, officials said.

If the village puts the order in soon, it will get the new truck in 2026. It would be part of an overall plan that would mean one fewer fire vehicle in the village’s fleet, bringing the total to four. That would mean millions in savings over the years, officials said.

The village needs to order the $1.7 million truck soon to save money before new EPA mandates are issued, increasing the cost.

Hinsdale’s discussion took about 10 minutes. By contrast, Clarendon Hills officials mulled their options for months. At the end of Tuesday’s discussion, the village manager said no money would need to be spent until 2026. He was ready to go forward with ordering the new truck.

thanks Scott