Chief: 'Beat Up' Rescue Vehicles Need Replacements
The budget commission is expected to review a request to purchase three rescue vehicles on Thursday afternoon, according to Fire Chief Joseph Klucznik.
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East Providence's emergency vehicles are tired — and it's time for some to take a permanent break, said Fire Chief Joseph Klucznik.
To keep his fleet in working order, the chief would like to replace three rescue vehicles that date back to 2005 and 2007. One has a busted engine and the others are racking up mileage and age, he said.
"The rescue trucks are tired, old and beat up ... The way we use them, it's tough keeping them in service," Fire Chief Joseph Klucznik said. "It's time to replace them."
He'll be asking the budget commission to approve the purchase of three new vehicles that typically cost anywhere from $200,000 to $250,000 depending on the bids received by the department. The financing would come out of the rescue billing account that is funded by fees charged to insurance company for emergency aid, said the chief. However, he'll need approval from administrators to move forward to replace the equipment that is used to primarily serve the public in emergency medical situations, adding that the account could be used for another purpose.
"We need proper vehicles with proper equipment so [EMTs] can transport people to the hospital," he said.
The department is also in the process of repowering four boats to be used by the Port of Providence Marine Strike Team.
Govstench
7:25 am on Thursday, May 31, 2012
I find it interesting with all of these mutual aid calls to Providence, this chief now needs to replace these vehicles. Over 500 mutual aid calls to Providence? How much has Providence paid back to the city for these runs? Nada?
john
12:49 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
the chief needs to replace these vehicles because Rescue 1 at the broadway station blew a piston in the engine last week responding to the hospital with a patient. So that truck is out. Rescue 2 had its transmisson fail and was responding to a call in the rumford section. so theres 2 down. Rescue 3 or 5 caught fire in front of a patients house on tuesday and the truck is already 20 years old. As of now Seekonk is letting us use there rescue 2 which is sitting in the riverside station. East providence only has 2 working rescues when there needs to be 3 at all times
Abigail Crocker
6:57 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
Hi everyone - the budget commission did not address this issue at today's budget commission meeting. Updates from the meeting are coming.
Bruce Zarembka
10:49 am on Saturday, June 2, 2012
There is no doubt these vehicles are certainly needed. Let's hope the budget commission realizes that this is a true public safety issue.
The majority of calls for assitance in this city (as well as most others) are for medical/rescue services.
Kevin Oliver
8:39 am on Sunday, June 3, 2012
I say we fix the trucks, then we fix the god forsaken roads... Maybe that'll help .
Bruce Zarembka
12:32 pm on Sunday, June 3, 2012
I think fixing the trucks would only be a temporary patch. These vehicles put more milage on them than any fire apparatus in the city. I know if something happens to me...I don't want a rescue responding that breaks down.
There are just certain things in this city where coners should't be cut.
I agree on the roads...but let's remember all of the roads in EP are not maintained by the city...many miles of state roads. Basically from the city to the state and federal levels, the basic infrastructure has not been maintained...Unfortunately, the state of Rhode Island does have some of the worst roads in the country.
J
2:53 pm on Sunday, June 3, 2012
You're right Bruce, plus the cost of fixing some of these issues probably approaches the cost of replacing the rescue.
Kevin Oliver
11:47 am on Monday, June 4, 2012
A few years back I was in need of an ambulance and when it arrived to my home and they got me down in the bus they had to call for another Ambulance. The Transmission in the first one broke. Luckily it was not a life threatening situation.... But I agree we need better equiptment.
kettle point
12:50 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012
FATBOY !!!
Maria
5:03 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
In the old days the firemen had horses and wagons. Today, they actually walked to a car accident and had a Seekonk and Providence rescue respond. What is wrong with this picture? These men need the proper equipment to respond to accidents.
J
5:32 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Horses and Wagons? Don't give Mr. O'Keefe any ideas!
billy Mcdonald
8:44 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
We should give pubiic safety new equipment as they need it ,.