NY Fire Department Sets Sights on 'Quick Attack' Apparatus Firefighters

MOHAWK — The Mohawk Fire Department is hoping to keep some of its trucks running longer by replacing an older one.

Joseph Crisino, Jr. told the village board Monday that one of the department's trucks is kept in a back bay and is rarely used. He proposed replacing it with a new "quick attack" truck with a pumper that could be used for motor vehicle accidents, car fires and carbon monoxide and other calls that do not require responding with the full-sized apparatus.

"It would save wear and tear on the other trucks," he said.

Crisino estimated the cost of the new truck at about $200,000 and thought the old truck might sell for about $30,000. The department's next full-sized pumper will likely cost $400,000 to $500,000, he added.

Trustee Kathleen Eisenhut asked about the possibility of purchasing a used vehicle as a quick attack truck. Crisino said the vehicles that are available are usually old and even if they have low mileage are likely to need repairs before long.

Mayor Jim Baron asked Crisino to put all the information together for the purchase of a new truck, including how it could be financed, and submit it for consideration in the upcoming budget.

The department is also looking into purchasing a Knox Box system, Crisino told the board. The Knox rapid access system would provide the fire department with a master key to open secure boxes on participating buildings. Those boxes would contain the key to the building, allowing firefighters to unlock the door in an emergency. The cost of the system is about $1,400 up front and the cost would be split between the village and the town of German Flatts, he said.

Individual offices and businesses would be responsible for purchasing the Knox Boxes for their buildings and installing them. Individual boxes cost less than $200, he said, while commercial boxes sell for about $300. The school district, town park and offices are on board with the idea, according to Crisino.

"We're the only ones with the (master) key," he said, adding the managed security system would allow the department to track when the master key is taken out of its compartment on the fire truck and who removed it.

"It saves us breaking down the door or waiting for a key holder," said Fire Chief Larry Bellstedt. "We wondered if it was something you'd be interested in."

Baron said he had no problem as long as the department had the necessary funds in the current budget or the department could propose the item for next year.

Crisino and Bellstedt said the funds are available.

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