TORONTO - The city fire department has a new vehicle in its fleet - a 2012 Chevy Silverado.
The four-door, six-passenger truck cost $24,715 and recently was purchased from TEAM Automotive in Steubenville and will be used as a utility vehicle, according to fire Chief Frank McEwen.
"We purchased the vehicle through saved funds and current budget funds," said the chief. "Because of this we were able to make this purchase. It's replacing a1993 Jeep.
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NEW DEPARTMENT VEHICLE — Toronto fire Chief Frank McEwen stands in front of the department’s new utility vehicle, a 2012 Chevy Silverado from TEAM Automotive in Steubenville. The truck will be used as the chief’s vehicle along with towing the department’s emergency rescue boat and other equipment. - Mark J. Miller
"We bought (the Jeep) as a used vehicle," continued the chief, adding the vehicle is unsafe and unreliable. "It has 135,000 miles on it, but the body is deteriorating. It was costing too much to keep it running."
McEwen said the vehicle will be used for multiple tasks.
"The intent is to use it as a multi-purpose vehicle," he said, adding it will be used for towing the department's river rescue craft and transporting its all-terrain vehicle. "We'll also be using it to haul various pieces of equipment.
"I made the request for a four-door pickup, so when we send personnel to training they can use that vehicle," continued the chief. "It the long run it will save us funds by using a city vehicle instead of (firefighters') own personal vehicles."
McEwen said the vehicle also will enable the department to take all its firefighting gear on calls.
"When we are on fire calls we have some equipment we use that always has to be transported on someone's personal vehicle," said the chief. "We really appreciate the city being able to purchase this vehicle. We would like to thank Mayor (John Geddis) and City Council for helping us obtain this."
