A new firetruck is in the works for Cochran Hose Company in Sewickley.
Council unanimously voted on March 10 to authorize financing a 107-foot Enforcer Aerial ladder truck.
The estimated $1.97 million emergency vehicle is being constructed by Pierce Manufacturing and purchased through Glick Fire Equipment Co.
Borough Manager Donna Kaib said they plan to make a $1 million down payment from Sewickley’s fire truck fund.
The remaining money will come from a seven-year loan with PNC, with annual payments of about $158,000.
Cochran Hose has 34 active members. It serves Sewickley, Glen Osborne, Edgeworth and Haysville.
Councilman Todd Hamer said it is important for the borough to support its emergency responders and make sure they have the equipment they need to protect the town.
“I think that it is great that we have such a strong volunteer fire department,” Hamer said. “With volunteer fire departments struggling so much, I think what our volunteer fire department does is unbelievable.
“They are deserving of being empowered to do a great job. They haven’t lost any members and we see fire departments shuttering left and right. Compared to what you’re seeing nationally with fire departments, it’s amazing what they do down there.”
Council Vice President Julie Barnes agreed.
“Our firefighters represent the best of us, answering the call at any hour with courage and selflessness,” Barnes said. “We owe them a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they make to keep our neighborhoods and families safe.”
Payments for the new truck will begin as the borough winds down its lease of a 2022 Pierce Enforcer Pumper. Remaining annual payments of about $95,700 are due through June 2028.
Other vehicles in Cochran’s fleet include a 2005 Pierce Saber Walk-Around Rescue, a 2008 Pierce Quantum PUC Pumper, a 2022 Ford F-350 utility truck and a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe, used primarily for non-emergency transports.
Fire Chief Shayne Quinn said he is thankful for council’s support and that it has been a long process to get to this point.
Council voted to approve the purchase of a new truck on July 11, 2023.
The motion at the time also authorized Quinn to sign commitment documents and related materials from Pierce Manufacturing.
Truck construction is expected to begin in September and take about four months to build.
Quinn said inspection and training regimens should have the truck ready for service early next March.
The new truck will replace a 105-foot 1997 Pierce ladder truck.
“We’re going to continue to be able to provide the service that this has provided for the last 30 years,” Quinn said. “Being able to replace this (and get) newer technology. It’s safer for the firefighters to operate on.”
Quinn said the old truck was designated as “a 30-year truck,” and its service life is coming to an end.
The fire company will look into trading it in to Pierce or possibly putting it up for municipal auction.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that the active service be about 15 years. It should be relegated to reserve status and inspected and evaluated for refurbishment. NFPA recommends removing it from service after 25 years.
Quinn said it is very tough and expensive for small departments to adhere to those replacement timelines.
“We have to extend it out,” he said. “We maintain it really good. The guys take care of the trucks and we’re able to extend the life on them. That way, the taxpayers don’t have that burden every 15-20 years of having to replace vehicles.”
New features and construction
Some of the new safety features, besides an extra two feet of ladder, include cameras, a system that changes traffic lights to improve driving, and a sensor that pins the truck to Google Maps and other GPS programs once the emergency lights and sirens are activated.
Quinn said those features will be invaluable, especially when traveling along Ohio River Boulevard.
“Everybody’s anxious for it,” Quinn said. “It’s a long time coming — been waiting for it for years. We were hoping to have it sooner. Our 150-year anniversary is coming up next month. We were hoping to have it for that, but it got delayed a little bit. Backlog with the manufacturer.”
More information about the company is available at cochranhose.org.