Guilford Selectmen Approve $142K To Outfit Fire Truck

GUILFORD, CT — The Board of Selectmen on April 6 unanimously approved more than $142,000 in capital purchases to outfit a fire engine previously acquired through 2024 bond funding.

Assistant Fire Chief Clint Haverkampf said the department purchased the truck as part of the 2024 bonding authorization but delayed buying equipment until after annual hose testing to determine what needed replacement, according to meeting minutes.

The board approved three purchases to complete the outfitting of the truck.

The largest, $102,035 to Firematic, covers hoses and related appliances through a state procurement contract.

A second purchase of $37,010 to Northeastern Fire is for hydraulic rescue tools. Haverkampf said the company is a sole-source vendor and uses a battery system compatible with the department’s existing tools, meeting minutes state.

A third purchase of $3,584 to Safeware will provide additional power tools and lighting equipment using the same battery system.

Selectman Lou Federici asked about the funding source. Haverkampf said the purchases would be paid for using the 2024 bond funds allocated for the fire truck, according to meeting minutes.

Selectwoman Sandra Ruoff asked whether delaying the equipment purchase increased costs. Haverkampf said he did not believe so, explaining the department waited until after hose testing so it would only replace equipment as needed.

Selectman Jonathan Trotta said there is not a lot of competition for fire equipment, and asked if the state goes through a bidding process for their contract prices, the meeting minutes said.

First Selectman Matt Hoey said the state issues requests for proposals and extends pricing from the lowest bidder to municipalities.

Fire Chief Mike Shove said the Federal Trade Commission and Congress have been examining how limited competition may be contributing to rising fire equipment prices nationwide, the meeting minutes said.

Hoey called the question, and the motion was approved unanimously.