SOUTH EUCLID FIRE DEPARTMENT - City of South Euclid

SOUTH EUCLID FIRE DEPARTMENT – 2011 ANNUAL REPORT
Ladder 321 Rear Axle Failure
On April 4, 2011 while returning from a smoke detector activation, Ladder 321 had a major
mechanical failure. The rear axle broke loose from the frame and came out from under the
truck. The truck was placed on a flatbed and towed to American Fleet Services. A mechanical
examination of the truck revealed the truck had torqued the frame and thus was beyond repair.
The truck was purchased late in 1990 and placed in service in early 1991. The truck was
refurbished in 2006 and had an engine rebuild in 2005. The original purchase price for the truck
was $292,000. Ladder 321 was scheduled for replacement in 2015. The city has established a
vehicle replacement fund and earmarked $1.3 million for replacement. The truck was insured
for $375,000. The city received an insurance settlement of $351,000. After considering several
options, the decision was made to move forward with the purchase of a new similar truck.
Vendors from seven different manufacturers were invited to demonstrate trucks similar to old
321. After viewing the models and vendors the list was paired to three manufacturers to submit
state bid pricing. All officers met, reviewed input from all shift members and selected E-One as
the vendor. Legislation was submitted to council and approved. The total cost of the new ladder
was less than $ 615,000. Combined with the insurance settlement the total outlay of city funds
was less than $265,000, when $1,300,000 had been planned for.
Delivery of the new ladder is in early 2012.
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