The Fayette Fire Department could be just weeks away from adding a newer ladder truck to its arsenal. The department and the City of Fayette have been working toward the procurement of a ladder truck to replace the old 1980 truck which is out of service.

Fire Chief Chris Baylor told the Fayette City Council on August 18 that the truck could be delivered in early September. The circa 2001 ladder truck will be purchased for $150,000 from the Columbia Fire Department. The city currently has $200,000 in the department’s sinking fund to pay for the long-needed truck. 

Discussions between the department and the council began in 2014 when the 1980-model-year truck was deemed unsafe. The council at the time opted to repair the aging ladder truck at a cost of $7,265.50. But even then the truck was deemed unsafe and therefore did not meet National Fire Protection Association standards.

Central Methodist University announced at that time that it would pledge $30,000 toward the purchase of a newer ladder truck that would be tall enough to adequately service its taller campus buildings. The university confirmed last week that it would honor its pledge from six years ago.

Baylor outlined before the council additional costs of around $22,000 associated with the purchase, since the department will have to outfit the truck with hoses, decals, and other equipment. He is still securing prices for other necessary equipment.