Surplus Apparatus?

“Also could you tell me why the two surplus fire engines and the fire chief's "old" car are not being sold in this event?”

Surplus fire trucks? Mr. DeAngelis gets it wrong once again.  There is no surplus apparatus, but guess what? Mr. DeAngelis knows this.  It is just another attempt to manufacturer a controversy that has no basis in truth.

According to the MVFD inventory over the last 20 years, the Department does not have a surplus of apparatus.  In fact, the MVFD has one less piece of apparatus in its fleet than it used to.  The Department used to have Engine 5, a brush truck and FD 10, a personnel transport vehicle.  FD 10 was never replaced, and the Department uses Engine 5 for both purposes now.

But, lets talk about the fire apparatus the MVFD does have.  They have 4 pieces of apparatus over the age of 20 years old, and an additional piece that will be over 20 years in three years.  That will be 5 pieces of apparatus over the age of 20 years.

NFPA advises that fire departments should replace frontline apparatus over 20 years old.  Middlebury is well behind in that endeavor thanks to former First Selectman Ed St. John who put off apparatus replacement since 2003.

Would you drive around in a 20 year old car?  Should we put the safety of our firefighters and residents in the hands of this aging apparatus? 

When Engine 2 is finally ordered, the old Engine 2 will be sold. Other pieces of aging apparatus will also be sold when they are finally replaced.

The MVFD will not be dropping any apparatus as was described in the “elusive consultant’s” report. The consultant, who spent less than two days in Middlebury recommended that Middlebury drop a piece of apparatus.  Not a very smart move when development in Middlebury continues to grow despite the current housing market.  The consultant, who Mr. St. John paid over $9,000 of taxpayer money also said that the Fire Chief should have a brand new Crown Victoria, and that the Town should erect a new Firehouse.  Not very sound thinking.  The consultant was also suppose to return to Middlebury and give us all his report.  Never did.  He took Middlebury’s money and off he went.