21.322 Chief Davine Memo - Ladder TruckMemorandum
To: Mayor David Narkewicz
CC: Finance Director Charlene Nardi
From: Chief Jon Davine
Date: September 9, 2021
Re: Ladder Replacement
Our current ladder is a first generation 2003 E-One Cyclone and over the last several years it
has had several major breakdowns. On June 7, 2021 during the East Heaven Hot Tub fire, our
crews set up the ladder to gain access to the roof and the ladder raised up approximately 6’ and
malfunctioned. The crew was unable to move the ladder up or down and our mechanic had to
be called to the scene to override the electronics system so the ladder could be put back down.
Our mechanic was able to make some small repairs to get it back in service but the ladder
swivel and wiring harnesses need to be replaced at a cost of almost $50,000. Recently, at a
small fire on Vernon St. crews set up the ladder to access the roof and it rotated approximately
90 degrees toward the building and malfunctioned again. At this point, the ladder is a severe
safety hazard and it is currently out of service.
In 2018, the ladder was sent back to the E-One factory in Ocala, FL to replace the electronics
because it would not set up properly. The electronics were replaced using Capital Funds at a
cost of $50,000. Also, our mechanic replaced the Electronic Control Module for $2,200 and
fixed the master stream for an additional $2,100. These are all recent repairs but there have
been many others throughout its almost 20-year life. This ladder is the first generation of the
Cyclone and Northampton Fire Rescue is the last department still operating it. All of the other
departments that bought this same ladder have traded them in or mothballed them.
Unfortunately, the first generation Cyclone is prone to problems and is getting more expensive
to fix as it gets older.
It is my recommendation to trade this ladder in and purchase a new ladder. Northampton has
several buildings throughout the city that are multiple stories high and a functional ladder is a
must. Our current ladder is a liability and I don’t trust that it will work when we need it.
Thankfully, we have not needed it to rescue victims but it is only a matter of time before we
will. Not only do the residents of Northampton need a dependable ladder but so do our
Firefighters. Our current ladder is not safe for the public or our Firefighters and both deserve a
ladder that will work when it’s needed.
Our department has been purchasing its fire engines from Pierce Manufacturing for the last
several years and we plan to purchase this new ladder from Pierce. The Pierce ladder will be
built to fit under all of our low bridges and will be shorter than our current ladder. A shorter
ladder will cut down on the turning radius on some of the sharper corners in the city.
Northampton Fire Rescue Department
sda
Ladder Replacement September 9, 2021
Page 2
The quote for the Pierce ladder is as follows:
Arrow XT 100’ Heavy Duty Aerial Ladder $1,115,656.00
Trade-in value for EONE 95’ MMT $ -25,000.00
Total: $1,090,656.00
Please let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to speaking with you.