Falls City expects new ladder truck soon

FALLS CITY – The Falls City Fire Department expects its new ladder truck to arrive Thursday or Friday, Jan. 15.

Firefighter Jon McQueen had volunteered to drive the 85-foot truck on its 1,400 mile journey from Burlington, Vermont, to Falls City, but said he was relieved when the city agreed to hire a professional hauler.

McQueen said firefighters were ready for the task, but he learned from Vermont officials that if they tested positive for COVID-19 in Vermont they would be asked to quarantine there for eight days.

The new truck is equipped with a 95-foot ladder and carries water. McQueen said the city might expect to pay $1 million for a new aerial, but the cost for the 2003 ladder truck was negotiated to $59,000.

McQueen said 2021 is looking positive for the fire department, as the city has also approved a grant application of $125,000 for new air packs and an air compressor.