Council Approves Purchase of New $1.3 Million Fire Engine

Following up on an inconclusive, lengthy discussion at its last meeting in June, the Pasadena City Council Monday evening unanimously approved the $1.3 million purchase of a new 2016 Tiller Drawn Aerial Ladder Fire Truck from the FWD Seagrave Fire Apparatus Company in Clintonville, Wisconsin.

The current ladder truck in service at Fire Station 31 is 22 years old with over 139,561 miles on its odometer. According to the Pasadena Fire Department,  the National Fire Protection Association rates the lifecycle for frontline firefighting vehicles as only 15 years. Once the new truck arrives, the existing unit will be used as a reserve truck and for training.

The Council Chambers were crowded with scores of Pasadena firefighters and members of Firefighters Local 809 — including at least four fire captains — who applauded the final purchase decision.

Though he had asked numerous questions regarding the purchase process at the previous meeting, Councilmember John Kennedy asked only for an explanation of the truck’s final price last night.

Deputy Chief of Operations Jon Trautwein explained that the truck had an $811,000 base price, with upgrades of $305, 465 for engines and transmissions, as well as additional costs for ladders and generators, along with delivery, training, inspection and travel.

Kennedy made the motion to approve the purchase, with a second from Councilmember Tyron Hampton.

The original Seagrave company was founded by Fredric Seagrave in 1881 and is the oldest continuous manufacturer of fire apparatus in the United States.

In 1909, Pasadena received the first motorized rig Seagrave delivered to the western United States.  That vehicle boasted a six cylinder air-cooled engine. It was a combination chemical engine, described ·as an elegant described as “an elegant four-wheeled giant.” It has been restored by firefighters, and has appeared in the Tournament of Roses Parade, and sits on display at Fire Station 31 at 135 S. Fair Oaks Avenue.

The company will have 360 days to deliver the fire truck to Pasadena following the completion of the order and the final approval drawing. Training will take place over three days following delivery of the truck.