The Smithfield Fire Department will keep a 1992 International fire truck as a spare.
Fire Chief John Blanton received permission from Smithfield town officials this month to keep the truck as a backup while other trucks are taken out of service for maintenance and repairs.
Since July, a 1997 fire engine has been out service due to computer related issues with the transmission. The 1992 model truck has been used in its place.
Three of the departments trucks were manufactured by American Lafrance which went out of business in 2014, making parts more difficult to find.
Chief Blanton said a 25 year-old fire truck could bring $15,000 to $30,000 but would be more valuable having it as a spare.
Blanton said the NC Department of Insurance would also give credit on the town’s fire rating for having a reserve fire truck in the fleet.
The truck is already equipped with radios, hoses, air packs and tools.
The reserve truck will be housed at West Smithfield Fire Station #2 that opened recently.
