Schneider VFD addresses council about vehicle purchase, sale
The Schneider Volunteer Fire Department may need a new chief’s vehicle soon, according to assistant fire chief Rodney Bowman at the Schneider Town Council meeting on May 29.
Bowman described the chief’s vehicle as “being on its last legs,” although he acknowledged it could still get around town. He said the current chief’s vehicle could be used by fire chief Ken Belshaw to get on scene to some local calls, but a new truck would be used as a support truck.
The chief’s vehicle is over 20 years old and the motor has six of eight cylinders firing property, Bowman said. He also pointed out the department has spent approximately $3,000 in vehicle maintenance and repairs over the last six months.
Bowman also noted the fire department has discussed selling the heavy rescue truck. He said the apparatus is used for motor vehicle accidents, medical calls and water rescues in the past. The vehicle would need to have some maintenance performed on it to be fully serviceable, according to Bowman.
Nevertheless, Bowman said proceeds from the sale of the apparatus could go towards the purchase of the new support truck, or perhaps update their extrication tools.
“We have some of the tools like extrication tools,” Bowman said. “Ours are hydraulic and we’re looking to get some updated ones so that we could possibly help more on Route 41.
Without the heavy rescue truck, the fire department could use an engine for performing many of the same tasks, Bowman said. However, they would respond to medical calls in the new support vehicle, he added.
The extra training and equipment may allow the Schneider Volunteer Fire Department to contract their services with West Creek Township and in turn allow them to bill insurance companies for emergency services, Bowman indicated.
Councilman Kevin Gray asked Bowman the value of the rescue truck. Bowman said an appraisal would have to be performed, but he didn’t think the truck would be worth a lot of money.
Bowman said they also spoke about selling a tanker truck. He believes the fire department could get over $5,000 for selling the apparatus.
Bowman also reported the fire department recently completed some extrication training with the Lowell Fire Department. He also said the department has been discussing potential training opportunities with the Rensselaer Volunteer Fire Department as well. He said a live burn was supposed to have taken place May 27, but they didn’t have enough staff.
The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. June 23.