Central Texas fire departments adapt to soaring truck costs, longer wait times
Some departments are buying decades-old vehicles while others wait years for new equipment
MARLIN, Texas (KWTX) - Fire departments across Central Texas are adapting to rising equipment costs by purchasing decades-old trucks and extending wait times for new vehicles as apparatus prices have soared over the past five years.
Marlin Fire Chief Justin Parker purchased a 31-year-old fire truck last year for just over $30,000. The vehicle serves as the only ladder truck in Falls County, though it predates the current century. A new equivalent would cost more than $1 million.
“As a chief, as a 25-year veteran of this service, I think it’s appalling that emergency vehicle prices have reached this point where we’re in the millions, where the most basic spec pumper with two doors and basic compartment configuration is over $500,000,” Parker said.
Wait times increase dramatically
Delivery schedules have extended significantly alongside rising costs. Waco Fire Chief Robby Bergerson said custom fire engine construction previously took about 11 months but now stretches to 600 days. Some manufacturers require wait times as long as four years.
Killeen Fire Chief Jim Kubinski attributed the delays to supply and demand pressures when multiple agencies order similar custom apparatus simultaneously.
Planning strategies emerge
Kubinski’s department has avoided delays by ordering trucks years in advance through a five-year planning cycle. For immediate needs, departments can acquire older or used fire trucks in as little as 60 days.
“And while it might not be customized, it might not have all the compartments exactly located the way you want, we’re really good in the fire service at adapting and overcoming challenges, at least you now have the apparatus that is needed to pump the water to serve the citizens,” Kubinski said.
Volunteer departments face challenges
Parker said the cost increases particularly impact volunteer departments throughout Central Texas, where most fire services operate as independent volunteer organizations. Traditional fundraising efforts no longer generate sufficient revenue to support operations.
“I implore everybody, if you’re serviced by an all-volunteer fire department, combination fire department, please, if they have a fundraiser, please support it. It’s essential,” Parker said.
Marlin’s ladder truck has approximately five years of operational life remaining before requiring replacement.
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