Barrington fire district buys new fire engine

Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District trustees this week authorized the $425,000 purchase of a new fire engine they say will improve firefighters’ ability to protect residents.

The purchase is part of a long-planned effort to upgrade the BCFPD’s fleet of emergency vehicles without raising taxes, officials say. The new engine, made by Florida-based E-One, will be delivered in the fall.

“The new fire engine will hold 1,250 gallons of water and be able to carry larger diameter hoses for fire suppression activities,” BCFPD Fire Chief/Administrator Jeff Swanson said. “In addition, the vehicle’s raised cab roof will provide more room for BCFPD firefighter/paramedics and their equipment, and improve their safety.”

The engine replaces an older pumper that is nearing the end of its front-line service life but will remain in service as a reserve engine.

Also this week, trustees authorized up to $25,000 to purchase one of two planned Ford F-150 trucks that will be used as multipurpose vehicles, and $71,275 for two Ford Expeditions that will serve as command vehicles. The BCFPD was able to save taxpayers nearly $30,000 on the purchases by using state purchase pricing available to public safety agencies.