At its regular meeting on Nov. 12, M.D. of Smoky River No. 130 made a decision to purchase a new Command Unit for its Emergency Services Department.
“The command unit was lost when it would not engage after a collision with a hay bale that was burning,” explains Reeve Paula Guindon.
“The loss occurred during a field fire where strong winds and smoke contributed to severely reduced visibility.”
Guindon explains the old Command Unit was deemed a writeoff by insurance and the replacement value provided was $65,641, including $52,645 for the vehicle replacement and $13,816 for associated emergency accessories including lights, sirens, and equipment.
As per the request of council, a variety of vehicles were analyzed to replace the machine lost in the fire, including trucks and SUVs. Prices for the machines ranged from $72,000 to over $100,000, depending on towing capacity and payload.
After the accident, an older command unit was put into use, but it was deemed by administration as no longer suitable for daily use and noted its use reduced the number of response vehicles located in other municipal emergency service halls. Command units help emergency crews provide first response at emergency scenes.
“Council reviewed the request for decision provided by the director of Protective Services,” says Guindon.
“Council approved the motion to fund the purchase of the 2026 Chevrolet 2500 as recommended and supported by administration.”
Administration analyzed its fleet management strategy, noting the Command Unit at Hall No. 1 is changed every five years, with the oldest retired. The team noted the need for a replacement 3/4-ton truck to meet the requirements of payload and towing requirements.
The total estimated cost of the new unit is $114,548, with administration noting sufficient funding is available through a combination of insurance and the fire department’s capital reserve.
“The replacement vehicle is consistent with the department’s existing fleet and is essential for daily operational requirements,” says Guindon.
“We anticipate the new unit will be added to the fleet by mid-December, pending the installation of emergency lighting, sirens, and decals,” she adds.
“The Command Unit is the primary response vehicle to all emergency calls and it is equipped with essential equipment to assist in initial strategies to combat medical and or fire until support units arrive,” she concludes.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter