TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - The Toledo Fire Department has been dealing with a growing frustration. Firefighters have been forced to deal with an aging fleet of vehicle, while rushing to rescue calls.
Fire Chief Brian Byrd said he needs new trucks.
"Some of our fire stations are some of the busiest in the country," explained Chief Byrd.
With a recent spike in calls for service the fleet of trucks used by the 18 fire stations across Toledo are constantly on the go, putting a major strain on the rigs used on a daily basis.
WTOL 11 obtained a list through a city source, showing every vehicle owned by the fire department; most are less than 10 years old.
But others, which are used as reserves or backup trucks, have extremely high millage and based upon pictures, they are showing serious signs of wear. Many of the reserve trucks are well over 15 years old and have clocked more than 200,000 miles.
There were two ladder trucks on the list, that were originally built back in 1983.
"We are trying to do what we can, to make the best out of what we have', said Byrd.
The fire department often depends on their reserve trucks, when their frontline or primary vehicles are down for maintenance. But Chief Brian Byrd warns that the reserves are dwindling.
"That puts us in a situation where if we have a rig that goes down mechanically or gets into a accident, we wouldn't have the ability to replace it - which now affects our ability to cover the city," said Byrd.
The chief said he needs several new trucks in order to continue to maintain quality of service, which comes at a price tag of $5 million for six new engines and two ladder trucks.
Right now the new city administration, which has often stressed the importance of spending less is in the process of crafting the budget for 2019, But Chief Byrd said it would be ideal to get the money this year.
"The dilemma we have, is even if that money is approved according to the current budgetary process. We wouldn't take delivery of those trucks until mid to late 2020. Because it takes them a year for the time we order them for them to be ready," explained Byrd.
Toledo council members were briefed on the fire chief's request last week, sparking a concern among many.
"There is a potential for a perfect storm. I understand that we are going through a major budget process – and we want to reserve, but I don't want to reserve at the cost of someone's life," said Councilman Larry Sykes who is the Chair of Finance Committee
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz made a statement addressing the issue as well:
"We are working through our budget process now and we have a lot of competing needs. We will present our budget in one month."
Dr. Cecilia Adams said she hopes that the budget includes money to keep the fire department rolling.
"Protection is really key and honestly, if don't protect our citizens," said Dr. Adams. "Why are we here?"
Members on the council's finance committee told WTOL 11 that there could be money for the fire department available in the capital improvement project fund.
They are currently reviewing it, to see it that will work. The mayor has until mid-November to submit his proposed budget to city council.
