- Town will pay $889,788 for new fire truck
- Production backlog will delay delivery
SMITHFIELD – The Smithfield Fire Department received approval to purchase a new fire engine. Fire Chief Jeremey Daughtry said a 1992 model International has reached its life expectancy. The fire truck has had several issues recently which included a downgraded pump capacity.
The town council approved the purchase of a new fire engine from Atlantic Coast Fire Trucks at a cost of $889,788. Due to a backlog of orders, it will take approximately 622 calendars days before the truck can be built. Another bidder estimated the build time at 850 days.
The Town has set aside $300,000 a year for the last two years to pay for the new engine. The remaining balance will be included in the 2024-25 fiscal year budget.
Chief Daughtry said the engine will include several new features to promote safety and efficiency.
