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Rescue equipment updated for GFD
With emergency and medical runs continuing a recent pattern of outpacing actual fire runs for the Greencastle Fire Department, outdated rescue equipment is being replaced on GFD units.
Low bidder Impact Rescue of Indianapolis submitted an $86,579 proposal to replace all the rescue equipment on city rescue trucks, amounting to two full sets of equipment that includes two cutters, two spreaders, two hydraulic rams and two stabilizer bars, Fire Chief John Burgess told the Greencastle Board of Public Works and Safety at its March meeting.
The only other bid was submitted by Heritage Fire Equipment, Columbus, Ohio, for $108,822.
A third bid was requested of Five Alarm Fire & Safety Equipment, Dearfield, Wis., but no bid was submitted.
Some of the equipment currently in use by GFD is more than 20 years old, necessitating the purchase.
“It’s really not made for some of the new cars they have out now,” Fire Chief Burgess said, explaining that city firefighters, for example, have encountered difficulties cutting through the roof posts of certain cars during recent training efforts.
The rescue equipment will be battery-operated with a 10-year life expected on the battery, Burgess said, praising Impact Rescue’s attention to detail and repair needs on previous equipment.
Money for the purchase has been included in the Fire Department budget or will be paid for in combination with Public Safety LIT (Local Income Tax) dollars.
The Board of Works unanimously approved the purchase on a motion from Trudy Selvia, pending contract review to check the warranty.
Meanwhile, Chief Burgess noted in his latest monthly report that of the 104 runs for the month of February, 34 were the EMS variety with one motor vehicle accident, as opposed to two actual fires (one structural, one grass).
The City Council, particularly Councilman Adam Cohen, has previously taken note of the dramatic increase in medical runs by GFD and is concerned that GFD might need to be looking at additional training in that area.
Mayor Bill Dory reported that the city fire hydrant project is getting attention. Engineering consultant Lori Young will be investigating if easements are needed on the 71 sites suggested for hydrant placement. Some of those are outside the city limits but in the township. He went before the Putnam County Commissioners on Monday to inform them of the progress.
Next will be getting approval and going out for bids, the mayor told the Board of Works.
“I really don’t want us to go another summer without getting this done,” Selvia stressed, recalling how Kevin Williams of Range Line Road came to the board after his house burned down in November 2020 to warn that there are no hydrants close enough to some houses.
“When he came to us after his house burned down because of no hydrant ... I never want that to happen again,” Selvia vowed.
In other business, the Board of Works:
-- Authorized $19,902 for an I & I (inflow and infiltration) study of Commercial Place from south of Indianapolis Road from Percy Julian Drive to 10th Street.
-- Approved the final infrastructure inspection report on the Whispering Winds subdivision built by Jared Grable on the city’s southeast side. Phase II is complete, Grable said, noting that he has sold all the homes with the exception of the spec house. City Planner Scott Zimmerman recommended acceptance of the infrastructure by the city. Until now, Grable has been doing his own snow removal and other services.
As he left the meeting, Grable told the board, “Thank you for getting me through so I can move onto the next one.”
-- Approved a one-time $546.16 sewer bill adjustment for Mark David, 506 W. Columbia St. Davis will still pay the water portion of his bill but due to the leak will not be responsible for the sewage portion.
Board member Selvia and Mayor Dory were joined by fellow board member Craig Tuggle for the 30-minute meeting at City Hall along with City Clerk-Treasurer Lynda Dunbar, City Attorney Laurie Hardwick and Deputy Clerk Melanie Welker.