Fire Department Finds a Home for an Old Truck and is Able to put Proceeds Toward its Replacement

It was like participating in a couple of game shows for the Vernon Fire Department when it came down to finding a home for an aging rescue truck that is being replaced.

The department definitely made a deal and the price was certainly right.

The old truck is a 1985 Ford Ranger rescue vehicle that was purchased in 1986 for $115,000. It is considered fully depreciated, according to a memo to Town Administrator John Ward from Finance Officer and Treasurer James Luddecke.

It is now being sold for $11,500 to Tolland Automotive of East Hartford, Fire Chief William Call said. The Town Council on Tuesday gave its blessing to the transaction.

The replacement rescue truck has already been approved and delivery is anticipated in May. Call said backup trucks will be used for the next two months.

The first $10,000 garnered from the sale of the old truck will be used to strip plumbing and mounting equipment for use on the new truck, Call said.

The remaining $1,500 will primarily be used to replace a 35-year-old metal cutting saw, Call said.

"We were able to make a little money on the old truck and are now able to put that toward equipment for the new truck," Call said. "It's a good deal for everyone."