Milford Fire Department Loans 'Spare' to Stratford

Stratford's firefighting and emergency response capability took another hit this week as two engines went down Monday, forcing the department to borrow vehicles from Milford and Bridgeport on Monday, and Milford and Shelton today.

Stratford's Engine 6 is out of service until computer parts arrive that will fix a glitch in the computer system affecting shifting. Meanwhile, Stratford's Engine 7 reportedly has braking problems and has been taken to the town's public works garage for repair.

The situation has forced Stratford fire officials to ask area towns to help out by borrowing spare vehicles. A spare fire engine from Bridgeport was borrowed to cover Stratford headquarters for Monday and part of Tuesday. That spare is being replaced with a spare from the Shelton volunteer department today.

A second engine from Milford has been on loan to Stratford since Monday and will remain at Stratford headquarters until either Engine 6 or 7 is returned back to service.

The situation was brought about after two Stratford fire engines were severely damaged in January after being hit by two tractor-trailer trucks on I-95.

Area municipalities do have a ongoing policy of helping out each other during emergencies. Stratford and Milford also share coverage on I-95 when necessary, especially on the Moses Wheeler Bridge between Stratford and Milford.