W/0420/fire truck/ecb — left to right; Westmont FD Chf Frank Trout; Mayor James Addington; Mayor Betty Cheever; DG FD Chf Lanny Russell.

The Village of Downers Grove and Westmont recently combined efforts to purchase four identical fire engines which should provide excellent service to both municipalities for many years to come. The cooperative purchase arrangement evolved through conversations between Westmont Fire Chief Frank Trout and Downers Grove Fire Chief Lanson Russell. By combining forces on developing specifications and purchasing four identical pumpers, both Villages reaped considerable savings. The engines are identical 1995 Pierce Sabres, manufactured by Pierce of Appleton, Wisconsin. They were picked up by both Departments' personnel from the factory in Appleton and driven back. After a period of training to familiarize crews with the new equipment, the new engines were put into service at the end of April.

Westmont also lowered its costs by paying cash to Pierce in advance for the entire amount of the purchase and by using some creative financing. The Village took out a loan from its own existing water fund account (accrued for future improvements to the water system) to be paid back at the same interest rate that would be made from investing the same funds.

By financing the purchase of the engines in this manner, Westmont saved over $90,000 compared to what it would have cost to purchase using conventional dealer/bank financing.

Both Fire Departments used in-house committees to develop the specifications for the new pumpers. During the planning process, they inspected numerous new fire engines and made factory visits. This meticulous process ended with the new engines being made to meet the specific fire suppression needs of both municipalities.

The engines are designed to carry 500 gallons of water on board and are capable of pumping at least 1500 gallons per minute. To meet latest safety specifications, the crew cab is completely enclosed and will hold up to six firefighters. Each engine will carry approximately 3500 feet of fire hose of varying diameters.

The all aluminum body features many over-sized compartments to house auto accident extrication equipment. Each engine will carry its own electrical power generator.

To allow for clearer emergency incident communication and to reduce the occupational noise exposure from sirens, air horns and engine noise, a headphone communication system has been included.

The entire vehicle's operating controls are monitored by a computer microprocessor to provide feedback during operations and maintenance. •

June 1995 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 23