Newtown Township Votes To Spend $2.9M For 2 New Fire Trucks

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors at its October meeting voted to spend $2.9 million to purchase two new trucks for the township's fire services department.

In an unanimous vote, the supervisors approved a contract with Glick Fire Equipment in Montgomery County to buy a 2028 Pierce Enforcer 107-foot ladder truck and a 2028 Pierce Enforcer Pumper.

The purchases will be made through Pennsylvania's CoStars Cooperative Purchasing program, which provides the Commonwealth's municipalities with competitive pricing on major purchases.

The new trucks will replace existing vehicles which are slated for replacement next year, including its 2010 pumper truck and its 2008 ladder truck

"We are on target with our replacement program," Fire Chief Glenn Forsyth told the supervisors, noting that this will be the first time the township will be purchasing trucks for the local fire service. "This is an exciting time for the department and for the board of supervisors."

Chairman Dennis Fisher acknowledged that the trucks come with "a rather large price tag, but it won't be delivered until 48 months from now. We currently have a plan in place" to pay for the trucks, he said, adding that the township began budgeting $660,000 a year a few years ago to fund the purchase when the bill comes due.

When the trucks arrive, they will belong to the township, added Fisher.

Supervisor Elen Snyder congratulated the supervisors for its vote and the fire service. "That's awesome," she said.

"This is a big night for us. Thank you very much," said Chief Forsyth following the vote. "Thank you to (township manager) Micah (Lewis) for listening to me for the last two and a half years."