The city’s fire department is moving ahead with plans to purchase a new ladder truck to replace its 1999 model, but Fire Chief Bill Brown made it clear during Monday night’s Health and Safety Committee meeting that this isn’t just a routine replacement, it’s part of a larger strategy to invest where needed and save where possible.
The department expects the new aerial truck to cost between $1.6 and $1.8 million. While that number might raise eyebrows, Brown said the funding is already there. The department’s capital levy fund, which is dedicated to large purchases like trucks and equipment, has more than $2 million available. After annual payments toward the new fire station are made, about $195,000 remains available each year from the fund’s $445,000 total yearly revenue.
Council members welcomed the update, especially when Brown noted that Engine 84, an older engine scheduled for retirement, won’t be replaced at all. With four engines already in service, the department determined that a fifth wasn’t necessary. The move stands out at a time when other departments are replacing equipment automatically, regardless of need.
Brown also explained that while the existing ladder truck is still in working order, it’s reaching the end of its service life. Refurbishment estimates came in between $325,000 and $375,000, which would only buy five to eight more years. That, combined with the importance of the truck in maintaining the city’s ISO Class 3 rating, made the case for replacement.
If the city were to lose that Class 3 status, homeowners could see their insurance premiums rise. Brown said he’s working with four possible manufacturers and expects a two- to four-year delivery window after placing the order.
Other updates from Brown included a 44% year-to-date increase in calls compared to 2024, a continued push to expand the department’s EMT and paramedic certifications, and joint live-fire training with Vermilion Township Fire. Crews are currently training at a structure on Route 60 slated for demolition.
Taken together, Brown’s report painted a picture of a department focused on long-term readiness, not short-term fixes. With stable funding and practical decisions, the Vermilion Fire Department is investing in the city’s safety without overextending its resources.
