Pocatello council approves sale of 20-year-old tower truck to Central Fire District
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Summary
The City of Pocatello approved declaring a 2000 Pierce tower truck surplus and selling it to the Central Fire District after staff described equipment age, replacement timing and mutual-aid coverage during the gap.
Pocatello Mayor and City Council on a unanimous vote approved declaring a 2000 Pierce tower (aerial) apparatus surplus and authorized its sale to the Central Fire District, the council said during its regular meeting.
Assistant Chief Steve Bullock of Pocatello Fire explained the department ordered a replacement tiller truck about four years ago and expects acceptance around September; the existing tower apparatus has been in service about 20 years and, he said, has moved beyond the usual 10-year frontline-to-reserve timeline set by NFPA guidance. Bullock described outreach to potential buyers, in-person inspections by Central Fire District representatives, and a brief period of maintenance to address leaks and other minor issues before transfer and training.
Why it matters: selling the older tower truck transfers an asset Pocatello staff described as seldom used in the last several years while the city awaits delivery of a newer tiller truck. Council members asked how the city would maintain response capability during the interval and staff pointed to a remaining frontline ladder truck, other engines, brush trucks and mutual-aid agreements with neighboring departments as coverage measures.
Council Member Cheatham moved to approve the surplus declaration and sale and Council President Lerick seconded the motion. In discussion Cheatham said he was concerned about giving up a capability during peak fire season; Bullock and other staff said mutual aid and the city's remaining ladder truck and engines would provide coverage until the replacement arrives. Bullock said Central Fire will receive training on the apparatus and may call Pocatello staff for follow-up questions.
The council approved the motion by roll-call vote.
Ending note: City staff said the truck will be transferred to Central Fire in Rigby, accompanied by 5–6 hours of operator training; the council approved the transfer subject to the city's legal review and execution of appropriate documents.