Des Plaines looks at buying Lake Zurich tower ladder
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In November, we shared an update about the Lake Zurich Fire Department's plan to sell their Pierce tower ladder. Since then, both *The Journal Topics* and the *Daily Herald* have reported on the Des Plaines Fire Department’s interest in acquiring the equipment.
According to a recent *Journal Topics* article published last Thursday, the Des Plaines City Council’s public safety committee is set to review the potential purchase of a used ladder truck from Lake Zurich. This move could offer a more cost-effective solution than buying a new one.
Ald. Walsten, a member of the council, explained that the current 23-year-old Simon LTI ladder truck is in poor condition and no longer supported by the manufacturer. "We often have to custom-order parts, which is expensive and time-consuming," he said. Fire Chief Alan Wax added that the existing truck is beyond its useful life and will soon need to be taken out of service.
Originally, the 2013 budget included $1.4 million for a new ladder truck. However, the decision has been delayed while officials assess whether two ladder trucks are necessary in Des Plaines. Even if only one truck is kept in operation, a backup is essential, according to Walsten.
When the department learned about the availability of the Lake Zurich truck—a 2000 Pierce with just 66,000 miles—Walsten was excited. A consultant confirmed the vehicle is in excellent condition. "This deal could save taxpayers around $1 million," he said. The total cost, including the truck and additional equipment, is estimated at less than $390,000.
Meanwhile, the *Daily Herald* reported that the city’s public safety committee has recommended the purchase of the used aerial ladder truck from Lake Zurich. The current fleet includes two ladder trucks, each serving different parts of the city due to the challenges posed by 32 at-grade railroad crossings.
Although the Lake Zurich truck is 12 years old, it has only 66,000 miles on it, making it well-maintained and suitable for use. However, the truck’s appraised value is only $10,000, and it would likely not be purchased in its current state. Still, the cost-saving benefits make this option highly appealing.
As the city continues to evaluate its fire department needs, the possibility of acquiring the Lake Zurich truck remains a viable and financially smart choice. More details can be found in the full articles here: [Link to Journal Topics] and [Link to Daily Herald].