Hook and Ladder Truck Expected to be Returned by End of Month

Officials say the hook and ladder truck should be back in service by the end of this month after a 14-month absence caused by a lengthy insurance claim process in addition to the needed maintenance and repairs it was originally sent out to have done.

Discussion regarding the fate of the fire truck took place Tuesday when a resident questioned the governing body as to why the repairs were needed. Borough Administrator Mike Kronyak said the truck is scheduled to be returned on Jan. 20. He and former Fire Chief Kevin Todd explained the detailed chain of events that led to the truck’s more than one-year absence.

Kronyak explained the truck originally went out for service for needed pump and hydraulic work, which Todd explained was caused by basic wear and tear. While the shop’s owner was in the process of returning the truck to the borough, in preparation of his shop being closed for the 2010 holiday week, the engine blew. Kronyak said a lengthy insurance claim followed which resulted in the service shop paying for the rebuilt engine.

Following the engine repair, the truck had to go through tests and it was found the ladder needed some repairs as well, he explained. “It’s 22 years old and things will happen to it. We have been trying to nurse it along because a new one would cost us $1 million,” Kronyak explained.

Todd explained the borough is trying to extend the life of the truck as much as they can and hopes to keep it going for several more years.

This past October the borough