OBSERVER Photo by M.J. Stafford Dunkirk Fire Chief Mike Edwards, right, describes the need for new fire engines at a meeting of the city Common Council’s Finance Committee Thursday. Councilman James Stoyle is at left.

Dunkirk Fire Chief Michael Edwards said last week the Dunkirk Fire Department needs two new pumpers as soon as possible.

Edwards emphasized the age of the department’s three current pumpers, and noted the continually rising cost of equipment, at a meeting of the Common Council’s Finance Committee.

Showing an apparatus list to city officials, the chief pointed out the oldest of the three fire engines dates from 1999. Two of the pumpers are on active duty and one is kept in reserve.

Edwards said National Fire Protection Agency guidelines call for replacement of firefighting trucks after 15 years. However, “if we look at the history of the department, we normally get between 20 and 23 years out of a pumper,” he said.

The fire department has requested and received proposals for a new pumper truck and Edwards said he has a good one “with no frills on it” for $930,000.

However, the chief explained, he realized it would be prudent to order two trucks.

“If we ordered an engine tomorrow, we would not receive it for three years. That’s a hard line, that’s industry-wide,” he said.

Originally, Edwards thought the delivery time was 16 to 18 months. Then he received new information. He was already considering, but unsure of, asking city officials for two trucks and not just one.

The significantly longer delivery time made it definite to him that the department must act quickly to acquire two trucks.

He added that the three current pumper trucks were made by American LaFrance, which is out of business. “Every part in those trucks, with the exception of the motor and engine, is custom made.” That makes it a nightmare to find spare parts for repair jobs.

Councilman James Stoyle offered support to Edwards.

“Mike is correct that we do the two of them,” Stoyle said. “It ain’t going to get any cheaper and we need the two of them yesterday.”

Councilwoman Nancy Nichols asked Edwards if he could get anything from selling the current trucks. “I won’t even estimate what we would get. It’s not going to be a lot of money,” he replied. It depends on the fire truck resale market, which is currently saturated, he said — also noting that the considerable wear and tear on Dunkirk’s trucks will remove value.

As for a new pumper, “at this time next year a pumper will be over $1 million,” Edwards said.

“It’s absolutely needed… but we have to figure out how to pay for it,” said city Treasurer Mark Woods.

Committee Chairman Marty Bamonto asked Woods and Fiscal Affairs Officer Marsha Beach to investigate funding sources.

“Time is of the essence when we order these,” Stoyle said. “We can’t have 10 committees diddle around and look at this.”

“Let’s get the numbers together and see what we’re looking at,” Woods said.

Edwards said the $930,000 proposal is good through March 1. Beach said she would get a resolution to purchase the equipment ready for the Common Council’s Feb. 21 meeting.