Chief: 'Beat Up' Rescue Vehicles Need Replacements

East Providence's emergency vehicles are tired — and it's time for some to take a permanent break, said Fire Chief Joseph Klucznik.

To keep his fleet in working order, the chief would like to replace three rescue vehicles that date back to 2005 and 2007. One has a busted engine and the others are racking up mileage and age, he said.

"The rescue trucks are tired, old and beat up ... The way we use them, it's tough keeping them in service," Fire Chief Joseph Klucznik said. "It's time to replace them."

He'll be asking the budget commission to approve the purchase of three new vehicles that typically cost anywhere from $200,000 to $250,000 depending on the bids received by the department. The financing would come out of the rescue billing account that is funded by fees charged to insurance company for emergency aid, said the chief. However, he'll need approval from administrators to move forward to replace the equipment that is used to primarily serve the public in emergency medical situations, adding that the account could be used for another purpose.

"We need proper vehicles with proper equipment so [EMTs] can transport people to the hospital," he said.

The department is also in the process of repowering four boats to be used by the Port of Providence Marine Strike Team.