Noroton Heights Fire Department Seeks Over $825K For New Fire Engine

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Board of Selectmen on Tuesday night will discuss and possibly take action on a request from the Noroton Heights Fire Department for an appropriation and bonding resolution in the amount of $825,415 for a new fire engine.

The new vehicle would be used for fire suppression and water supply for commercial and residential structure fires, according to a funding request summary submitted to the town by the department. It will also be the department's primary engine for any alarm in a dwelling.

The current Engine 23 is 33 years old. A refurbishment would have cost $300,000, but would not have brought the vehicle up to current safety standards, fire officials said in documents submitted to the town.

The new vehicle would have a larger on-board water tank, longer hose leads and a larger capacity pump. Fire officials said the extra capacity would come in handy for the increased dwelling size in the town's commercial districts.

The department's funding request summary says the replacement truck is expected to be delivered in February 2024.

In November 2022, the board of selectmen approved an appropriation request and bonding authorization of $2 million from the Darien Fire Department, paving the way for the purchase of a brand new heavy rescue truck that fire officials say is needed.

Tuesday's board of selectmen meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.