Eagan Fire Department Rolls Out First Hybrid Fire Truck

The Eagan Fire Department's newest acquisition—a hybrid pickup truck—is something of a 'guinea pig' for the department, according to Eagan Fire Chief Mike Scott.

That's because the truck, a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, is the first gas-electric hybrid owned and operated by the department, which has a fleet of 30 vehicles, including boats and ATVs. The truck was donated by Eagan-based Gopher Resource, and was put into service last week as the designated Fire Marshal's vehicle.

In 2010, the department spent nearly $25,000 on fuel for its vehicles, many of which are larger, less-efficient fire engines, Scott said. Interested in cutting costs and becoming more environmentally friendly, Scott has long considered purchasing a hybrid vehicle, and applied for federal grant funding for the vehicle.

Although the grant funding never came through, the department found a willing partner in local company Gopher Resource, which recycles batteries and other lead-bearing materials. After the department met with Gopher Resource Chief Operating Officer and former firefighter John Tapper, the company agreed to carry the $36,000 pricetag for the new hybrid truck.

“To have a private company step up and pay for the whole vehicle was overwhelming," Scott said. "We sure didn’t expect the whole donation from them."

The hybrid, which is expected to get 20-22 mpg, will be closely evaluated by department officials during its service life. If the fuel-efficient truck proves to be cost-effective, the department may purchase additional hybrid vehicles, Scott said.

Be sure to follow Eagan Patch on Twitter, "Like" us on Facebook, and sign up for our newsletters, which send you updates about stories, breaking news, announcements, events and blogs on our site.