Fire Department Down Two More Trucks; Borrowing From Region

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.

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

Meanwhile, Stratford fire officials have been forced to ask area towns to help out by borrowing spare vehicles. A spare fire engine from Bridgeport was borrowed to cover headquarters on Main Street 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 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.

Fire department brass made a presentation two weeks ago before the Town Council with a plan to repair the two, along with a short-term lease request to cover the department until the two are returned to service.

The Council is expected to act on the request at its next meeting next week.

Meanwhile, the department will limp along using spares, which, while not an optimum situation, at least gives the department enough vehicles to cover the town.