DUANE SHERRILLEditor

The Tullahoma Fire Department has been approved to purchase a 2025 GMC 3500 Pro to replace 2010 Ford F250 at cost of $72,895.

The Light & Air truck (V358) is currently a ¾ ton truck equipped with airbags to help with load distribution. It utilizes a cascade system to fill the department’s self-contained breathing apparatus on-site during incidents. The truck is also equipped with scene lights that allow for safer operations during night operations. The truck has been deployed to numerous fire scenes and responds to surrounding communities for mutual aid.

At fifteen years old, it was recommended that the city upgrade to a 1-ton truck for improved load distribution, particularly for the onboard cascade system.

“Basically what this truck does is go to the scene of the fire in which our air tanks need to be refilled,” said City Administrator Jason Quick. “It’s a very vital piece of equipment.”

He pointed out the truck is being purchased under state contract, meaning it was the best price available for the city.

The breakdown of costs included: Purchase price $52,883, UPFIT Package $7,701, Utility Camper/Brush, Guard and Winch/Bed Spray, Stripes and Graphics $600, Lighting/Siren Package $11,711 for a total of$72,895.64.

Alderman Busch Thoma said he liked the idea of buying local when it came to equipment needed by the city.

“I sure am glad to see us buying local,” he said.

Quick said he has worked with department heads and would like to buy local when the city can.

“There are times when it precludes us from buying local, particularly our police cruisers because there is dealer that seems to have a corner on the market and it is hard for the locals to compete with that,” Quick said. “We look to buy used vehicles locally because they are not on state contract.”

The board approved the purchase 2025 GMC 3500 Pro from Russell Barnett Chevrolet-GMC.