Glennville Fire Chief Scott Terrell appealed to the Glennville city officials at their August 4, 2026, meeting of the dire need for two fire trucks.
"This is a strategic recommendation based on operational readiness, firefighter safety, financial stewardship, long-term cost effectiveness, and the City's obligation to provide dependable fire protection for every resident and business in Glennville," he said.
He explained that the current fire apparatus fleet, the backbone of the city's emergency response system, includes a 2004 Fire Engine, which is more than 20 years old; a 2000 Pierce Fire Engine, which is 25 years old and has been completely out of service for over a year due to engine and pump failure; and a 1994 Freightliner Fire Engine, which is over 30 years old and is currently experiencing significant plumbing and water delivery issues, and has been out of service for the past four months. In essence, only one aging apparatus remains dependable.
"Every emergency response depends on reliable engines, pumps, brakes, plumbing, electrical systems, and water delivery. Mechanical failure during an emergency can delay rescue efforts, interrupt fire suppression, increase property loss, expose the City to liability, and place firefighters and citizens at unnecessary risk," Terrell added.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that frontline apparatus generally serve approximately 15 years before moving to reserve service, and that apparatus exceeding approximately 25 years of age should be evaluated for replacement, particularly when they can no longer be economically maintained or no longer meet modern safety expectations. He noted that the 1994 fire engine is over 30 years old, the 2000 Pierce has exceeded 25 years, and the 2004 engine is approaching the end of its service life.
Although an option is to repair the existing fleet, every major repair is an investment into aging equipment that needs to be replaced.
Fire Chief Terrell recommended purchasing a new pumper tanker as the most financially responsible long-term decision, with this equipment to have an expected service life of 25 years. At the approximate cost of $475,000, the investment averages about $19,000 per year over its expected service life before financing. Current industry manufacturing schedules indicate an estimated lead time of approximately 12 to 18 months from the date the order is placed until delivery. A delay in ordering this new truck could cost the City even more money by the delay, as costs continue to escalate.
"However, in the meantime, even while this new truck may be ordered, with the 2000 Pierce Fire Engine completely out of service and beyond economical repair, the Fire Dept. requests authorization to purchase a used fire apparatus to serve as an interim front-line or reserve engine until the new custom pumper/tanker is delivered and placed into service," said Terrell, adding that a feasible price for a used one with 15 years or less of use could be purchased for about $285,000 from a dealer.
Another factor is a new ISO (Insurance Service Organization) evaluation is expected in the next few months, and Glennville Fire Dept.'s apparatus are evaluated as part of the ISO Fire Suppression Rating Schedule. This refers to apparatus that must be dependable, capable, and available. Inoperable apparatus can reduce the City's fire protection capability during an ISO evaluation, and this can contribute to higher insurance premiums for homeowners and businesses, since many insurers consider ISO ratings when setting rates.
"Protecting the City's apparatus fleet helps protect our ISO standing, supports more affordable insurance premiums, and demonstrates Glennville's commitment to dependable fire protection," said Fire Chief Scott Terrell, "and most importantly, dependable apparatus save lives."
After his presentation, no responses were given to Fire Chief Terrell from the mayor or any council members.
