$1M Peabody Fire Truck Arrives After 3-Year Wait, Lawsuit Pending

PEABODY, MA — The first of two new fire trucks — each costing about $1 million — has finally arrived in Peabody after nearly a three-year wait.

Mayor Ted Bettencourt said that, while he is happy the first truck has arrived, the city is part of a class-action lawsuit against the fire truck manufacturer for antitrust violations and for engaging in anti-competitive practices amid the long delay.

Bettencourt said the first truck will be located at Engine 3 on Prospect Street and the second one, which is expected to arrive within the next two weeks, will be located at Engine 5 on Lynn Street in South Peabody.

"Thank you to the City Council for their support on these important purchases," Bettencourt said in a post on social media. "Thank you to Chief (Jay) Dowling and the outstanding members of the Peabody Fire Department for their steadfast dedication to protecting our community."