Old Orchard Beach voters will decide purchase of new fire engine

Residents in Old Orchard Beach are being asked to approve funding for a new fire engine.

On Nov. 3, voters will decide whether to allow the town to borrow up to $1.2 million to purchase a new Sutphen fire engine. Because the potential purchase is more than $1 million, it must go to voters for approval.

The fire department would like to retire a 2007 Seagrave engine that was purchased as a demo. The 2007 Seagrave was used as a frontline vehicle and became a reserve vehicle when a 2016 Sutphen fire engine was purchased.

Should funding for the fire engine be approved, town officials say it would take three to four years for the buildout to be completed, and the town would not have the new vehicle until 2028 or 2029.

The new Sutphen, if approved, would become the frontline vehicle, and the 2016 Sutphen would become the reserve vehicle. By the time the new fire engine is anticipated to arrive, the Seagrave will be more than 20 years old and will be retired.

At Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, Fire Chief John Gilboy said that he has been in contact with a few local dealers and anticipates selling the 2007 Seagrave after the town retires it.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.