BOWDOINHAM

Almost a year after voter approval, Bowdoinham will be adding a new, versatile vehicle to the fire department fleet.

At Town Meeting last year, voters approved the new truck at a cost of up to $170,000, and selectmen approved a 10-year bond for the vehicle.

The purchase of a quick-attack fire truck — a smaller but maneuverable vehicle ideal for EMS calls — took a little longer than the town expected. When town officials were prepared to buy a new truck, they found a new model would be available soon.

“Because of how the model was running, it didn’t make sense,” said Town Manager Bill Post. “One of the trucks it’s replacing is Ford F-350 with forestry equipment.”

The quick-attack fire truck will have the forestry capabilities of the F-350, and it is replacing a light duty rescue truck that is also used to transport firefighters.

Bowdoinham has a main tanker truck and two pumpers. Post likes the size and versatility of the quick-attack truck.

“It’s completely more versatile,” he said. “It’s kind of a hybrid for forestry as well as rescue tanker.”

Post said the life expectancy for a fire truck is around 25-30 years.

The model the town waited for will have a water tank and pump, and the forestry equipment the town needed.

More importantly to Post, it’s expected to be used on all fire calls.

“It will be able to go out before the main engine” said Post. “It will be the first truck out on every call.”

The new truck should arrive in late June, and it will be ready to respond to calls in early July.

chris@timesrecord.com