By John Collins
The Lowell Sun
TYNGSBORO, Mass. — Selectmen have approved the donation of a 21-year-old fire truck that failed to pass inspection, to the Lowell Fire Department for use as a salvage vehicle to keep its Regional Dive-Team vehicle on the road.
Meanwhile, the Tyngsboro Fire Department is about to accept delivery this month of a $207,000 replacement truck with a 1,000-gallon water tank as approved by Town Meeting in June, Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto said.
“Because of significant rust and deterioration on the frame of Engine 7 that had been garaged at Fire Station 2 on Lakeview Avenue, the vehicle failed to pass its annual inspection this past spring,” Gilleberto said. “Repair of the vehicle was deemed not to be cost-effective, as it would have required significant dismantling and reconstruction.”
In July, the town’s Board of Fire Engineers voted to transfer the inactive, surplus vehicle to Lowell after engineers recognized the older truck’s Ford motor and transmission were still usable, and matched the Lowell Fire Department’s need to repair its Regional Dive Team truck, a similar vehicle, which had a failing engine, Selectmen Chairman Rick Reault said.
Selectmen voted unanimously last week to approve Engine 7’s transfer to Lowell.
“It’s spectacular that we can work with our sister city, Lowell, in providing them with needed parts for their firetruck to help them out,” said Selectman Bob Jackson, who saw it as a way for the town to thank and partly repay Lowell for providing frequent mutual aid to Tyngsboro. “Kudos to everyone involved in working this out.”
The Regional Dive Team assists during emergencies throughout the region, including in Tyngsboro, and works with other fire departments to respond to water-related emergencies, Gilleberto said.
“Fixing the Lowell Fire Department’s Regional Dive Team truck clearly helps the town of Tyngsboro as well,” said Selectman Corey Lambert.
According to Gilleberto, after the June 7 Town Meeting vote to approve $210,000 for the purchase of a new fire-pumper truck that would fit the smaller specifications of the Station 2 firehouse on Lakeview Avenue, the town issued an invitation for bids in July, and received three.
“In August, we entered into a contract with the low bidder, Crimson Fire of South Dakota, at a purchase price of $207,061,” Gilleberto said. “The vehicle has been constructed and shipped to Rhode Island for installation of radios and lettering, as well as other pre-delivery work.”
Delivery of the truck is expected on or about Sept. 30, the town administrator said.
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