TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – The Arlington Fire District is moving forward with plans to replace two fire engines that are more than 20 years old. District Commissioner Phil Van Italie expressed his disagreement by voting against the proposal at the last board meeting.
According to Fire Chief Bill Steenbergh, one of the engines he will replace is 28 years old and the other is 23 years old. They currently serve as reserve rigs and are called into service if one of the newer, but aging rigs is out of service. “They are at the end of their life,” said Steenbergh of the older apparatus. In his presentation to the board, Chief Steenbergh noted that the two pieces of equipment are not suitable for purchase by most fire departments and he is exploring the option of selling them overseas.
The new rigs would be put into service and two current engines would be moved to reserve status. Commissioner Val Italie said, “I understand the objective but I don’t understand what’s the matter with them.” Other board members and the chief cited the need for reliable equipment that can respond to calls around the clock, every day of the year, and be able to pump water onto a fire without mechanical failure.
After hearing the explanation, Val Italie said, “I’m older too and they’re not sending a replacement for me. When I die, I die, and that’ll be it.”
The cost to purchase the two new engines is $1.664 million and Steenbergh noted that the price is lower because they are purchasing two at the same time. If the order is placed immediately, the new equipment would likely not arrive until mid-2023.
“Reliable and safe apparatus is paramount to the public and our members’ safety,” said Captain Joe Tarquinio, who is also the president of IAFF Local 2393. “Our mechanics are the best around and have prolonged the life of the apparatus to be replaced long after recognized standards suggest replacement.” Arlington is the busiest fire department in Dutchess County and beyond, responding to approximately 6,000 calls each year.
A career Arlington firefighter noted that approximately one-quarter of the department’s firefighters weren’t even born when the 28-year-old rig first went into service.
