Post Messenger Recorder -

On January 26, 2019, the Monticello Fire Department put into service its newest addition to the truck fleet, a 1999 Pierce Dash Engine, replacing a 1989 Custom Fire Engine. The Department tries to use a 30-year replacement cycle for its fire and rescue trucks so the department formed a committee in January of 2018 consisting of Fire Chief Kevin Komprood, Assistant Chief Shane Luchsinger, Assistant Chief Jason Eyler, Captain Ron Blumer, Firefighter Casey Klossner, and Firefighter Brian Grossen.

After doing research from several manufacturers the committee learned a new truck, as the department traditionally bought, would cost approximately $500,000.00. The three members of the Fire District, the Village of Monticello, Town of Washington, and The Town of Mount Pleasant, had not set aside any funds and did not want to borrow any monies at this time. The Truck Committee learned that the Village of Williams Bay would have a truck for sale with the specifications the Fire Department wanted on a truck, including low miles, a Waterous 1500 gpm top mount pump, 1000 gal. poly water tank, 35 ft. ground ladder, diesel generator, and storage of at least 3,000 ft of fire hose.

The Monticello Fire District Board approved the Truck Committee to make Williams Bay an offer on the used truck and the offer was accepted. The intent is for the Fire Department to get 12 more years of service out of this truck to give the members of The Fire District time to set aside funds for the next truck purchase. The Monticello Fire District has $124,000.00 into this truck, including truck purchase price, Pierce upgrading pump components and lighting, Lakeside IH painting the truck, General Communications upgrading the radio equipment, and Thunder Valley for the graphics.