Long Branch Fire Chief Says Two Trucks Need To Be Replaced

Long Branch Fire Chief Al Sico said the fire department is "in bad shape as far as fire apparatus."

Chief Sico told the Long Branch Council that the Neptune station's truck is 36-years-old and and the Oceanic Station's truck is 28-years-old, and that both need to be replaced.

Mayor Schneider stressed the importance of replacing the city's fire trucks, but said it is something to look to in the future.

"Nobody expects (the council) to vote on this tonight, but it has to be on the horizon," Mayor Schneider said.

Chief Sico said every fire truck is built custom, and that the trucks he hopes to have would be "two bare bones, plain Jane engines."

Chief Sico said he hoped to go out to bid on the trucks in December and possibly start bonding for their purchase in 2012.

He said some of the city's other most-used trucks at the West End and Independent stations, should be next in line for replacement.