A big price for an even bigger responsibility
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UNION GAP, Wash. -- Budget problems in Union Gap have been a hot topic as of late. Just earlier this week, the council voted to uphold a hiring freeze, and yesterday KIMA learned the person in charge of graffiti abatement was let go. So, it's no wonder you're asking Action News why the city shelled out over $400,000 for a new fire truck. KIMA learned, not doing it could have ended up costing the city the ultimate price.
“In the new engine, you can see the difference in the seating compartments,” said Fire Chief Chris Jensen.
The upgrades don't end there for the Union Gap Fire Department's brand new rig when you compare it to the old one, 14 years old to be exact. The roughly $400,000 engine comes with all the bells and whistles - new technologies, more storage, and better odds to save you from disaster.
"We know that our resources are coming from a distance,” Jensen said. “This allows the engine crews to take immediate action knowing they have an additional 250 gallons where they can fight fire a little longer before the next engine gets there and supplies them with water."
And in order to get that perk and all the rest that came with the new engine, the city had to shell out a big chunk of cash during a tough budget time.
Fire crews told KIMA they met with city council, showed them their deteriorating and often malfunctioning old rigs. After that, we’re told it was clear - the purchase was a necessity no matter how tough the budget is.
"For me, the bottom line is safety overcomes the dollar figure,” said Mayor Jim Lemon.
It’s a big price for an even bigger responsibility.
Union Gap Fire took in six different proposals to get the best deal for the new engine. The winning bid was a vender from right here in Yakima.
“In the new engine, you can see the difference in the seating compartments,” said Fire Chief Chris Jensen.
The upgrades don't end there for the Union Gap Fire Department's brand new rig when you compare it to the old one, 14 years old to be exact. The roughly $400,000 engine comes with all the bells and whistles - new technologies, more storage, and better odds to save you from disaster.
"We know that our resources are coming from a distance,” Jensen said. “This allows the engine crews to take immediate action knowing they have an additional 250 gallons where they can fight fire a little longer before the next engine gets there and supplies them with water."
And in order to get that perk and all the rest that came with the new engine, the city had to shell out a big chunk of cash during a tough budget time.
Fire crews told KIMA they met with city council, showed them their deteriorating and often malfunctioning old rigs. After that, we’re told it was clear - the purchase was a necessity no matter how tough the budget is.
"For me, the bottom line is safety overcomes the dollar figure,” said Mayor Jim Lemon.
It’s a big price for an even bigger responsibility.
Union Gap Fire took in six different proposals to get the best deal for the new engine. The winning bid was a vender from right here in Yakima.
