Peabody council approves new fire vehicle

PEABODY – The Peabody Fire Department received the go-ahead by City Council last week to purchase a new vehicle.With the approved transfer of $48,000 from the department’s fire watch details account into the fire vehicles account, Fire Chief Steven Pasdon will buy a 2009 Chevy Tahoe. The money will also be used to outfit the new SUV with lights, sirens and a radio, as well as appropriate lettering.Pasdon said the department typically uses two vehicles on a regular basis – one is a 1996 Chevy Suburban with 150,000 miles; the other is a 2003 Ford Excursion with roughly 105,000 miles.”Old vehicles like that, you need to replace them,” said Councilor Dave Gravel.Councilor Anne Manning questioned the need to purchase a brand new vehicle, let alone an SUV that’s typically known as a gas-guzzler, and not a trade-in.”The vehicle we’re getting is substantially smaller,” explained Pasdon. He later informed the council that the Tahoe gets better gas mileage at 15-20 miles per gallon and has four-wheel drive, which he said is important for the various emergencies in tough terrain.Pasdon said he also looked into the possibility of using a hybrid, but came to the conclusion that it “wouldn’t pay itself off” in the long run.The Tahoe will take over the role of the Excursion, which was primarily used as the deputy fire chief’s command vehicle. The Excursion will replace the Suburban and remain in the department as a secondary vehicle.Pasdon said the city is purchasing the brand new SUV at a significantly lower price through the state’s bid list. He expects the vehicle to cost about $33,000 without all the fixings. It will also come with an extended warranty.”I think it’s a good idea,” said Councilor Barry Osborne.The council voted unanimously in favor of the request. Pasdon anticipates receiving the truck within the next few months.