The Rockford Fire Department currently runs several pieces of apparatus that are in need of replacement. Over the past four years, they have disposed of three 1976 Pirsch quints. They still have a fourth 1976 Pirsch quint and a 1976 Seagrave 100′ TDA in reserve. They recently placed an order with Pierce for four new units. Three Velocity 105′ quints with steel ladders and a Saber engine have been ordered. Two of the quints were being built as stock units and will be delivered within 90 days. The 3rd quint and the Saber are being built specifically for Rockford and are expected within 6-8 months.
The Saber engine will have a 2,000-GPM pump, 500 gallons of water and 30 gallons of foam. The quints will have 2,000-GPM pumps and 500-gallon water tanks. All units will be white over red. Rockford will be putting three units up for auction when the new units are in service. These include a 1976 Pirsch quint, a 1995 Pierce 105′ quint, and a 1991 E-ONE Hush pumper that formerly belonged to Naperville.
Andy Hilk found this article detailing the city council agreeing to the apparatus replacement.
A vote in Rockford City Council ensures the fire department will get four new vehicles by the end of the year.
Alderman voted 12-1 in favor of the plan and the fire department expects it will have some of the equipment in the next 30 days. Older vehicles will be replaced. The department will get 3 new quints, which are engines with ladders and one standard engine.
All total, the four vehicles have an estimated cost of $3.2 million. The city will lease them for 7 years at a rate of $350,000 per year. Rockford will continue to lease new vehicles for other departments. It’s part of a long term plan aimed at upgrading the city’s fleet in a cost effective way.
