Fire department buys new trucks

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Bowling Green Fire Department is ready to better serve the community with new trucks and a new look.

The Bowling Green Fire Department now has five new vehicles. It was a large purchase, but the benefits are priceless.

“They are not just a four- or five-year cycle. They are generally anywhere from 15 to 20 years that we will use them for frontline or reserve purposes,” said Bowling Green Fire Department Chief Jason Colson.

Four new fire engines and one rescue engine are now a part of the Bowling Green Fire Department’s fleet.

These trucks are better equipped with new features.

“The unique things about these is the pump layout is a little bit different. It’s smaller than our traditional trucks, which allows us to have a bigger truck and a smaller footprint. Plus, more cargo capacity,” said Bowling Green Fire Department Captain Bryan Fulkerson.

Each fire engine costs around $475,000 and the rescue engine costs around $650,000.

While it seems like a lot of money, having new trucks actually cuts down on maintenance fees.

“The main thing is just maintenance. Our old trucks are starting to cost us more money to maintain. So, with these being newer we are hoping that will really cut down on maintenance costs,” said Captain Fulkerson.

The last time Bowling Green Fire Department purchased any new trucks was back in 2008. Colson said it was time for new trucks and a new look.

“It’s nice to see a new fleet of vehicles that will hopefully serve us for many years to come. You might notice that we have a new look. We actually went with a different color scheme for all the new apparatus that we have ordered. We went with a black over red color concept,” he said.

The trucks will officially be operational in about three weeks once all the extra equipment is installed. Officials are excited to put them to use.

“They are definitely safer, more dependable, and it just makes you proud to be a part of this organization,” said Captain Fulkerson

The Bowling Green Fire Department also ordered a new aerial truck that will arrive in June.