What's News?

By Assistant Chief Roblee

Tuesday July 14, 2026

Over the last year, your Chaffee-Sardinia Fire Company has taken delivery of two new apparatus!  The trucks, numbered 3 and 7-2, are Ford utility vehicles that have replaced two aging pieces of equipment.

The decision to purchase new apparatus begins at least a year prior to the purchase.  A committee is appointed to determine the current status of the fleet and envision the long term plan of the fire company.  This committee reviews service records, response numbers and standard operating procedures to create an apparatus replacement plan.  As part of the most recent apparatus replacement plan, Sardinia 3 (a 2003 Ford mini pumper) and Sardinia 7-2 (a 2008 Ford Expedition) were identified as nearing the end of their life cycle.  The committee reviewed multiple options for their replacement and ultimately decided on the plan that was executed.

The 2003 mini pumper was replaced with an F550 utility vehicle, with a bed mounted brush firefighting skid.  This option provided cost effective equipment storage and preserved the company's ability to address wildland fires in limited access areas.  The firefighting skid consists of a 250 gallon tank and 250 GPM pump, with hose beds for 1-3/4" and 1" forestry hose.  Replacing this apparatus with a utility vehicle, rather than another mini-pumper, likely saved between $100,000 and $200,000 based on market prices.

The 2008 Ford Expedition had become the EMS first response vehicle for Station #1.  It quickly became the top responding apparatus in the fleet.  Unfortunately, as it became a more critical part of the operation, it was clear that an SUV was not the ideal piece of equipment for its role.  The Expedition was replaced with an F350 utility vehicle.  The additional space provided by the utility box has helped to eliminate the need for the traffic control trailer that housed barricades and traffic control signs.  A dedicated EMS compartment has also allowed for the addition of a LUCAS CPR device and other life saving EMS equipment for use by the company's EMTs and Certified First Responders.  Sardinia 7-2 continues to be the top responding apparatus due to its versatility and EMS response capabilities.

Both of these utility vehicles were upfit with significant electrical systems, including emergency service radios, equipment charging capabilities and smart emergency lighting systems.  Most notably, each vehicle was provided with a reflective decals package and lighting package that is programmable to promote traffic safety for responders and motorists alike.

Hundred of hours of time and effort were put into the replacement of these apparatus.  Undoubtedly, one of the longest parts of the process is reviewing the facts and building the long term plan.  There are so many directions that can be taken when maintaining a fleet.  The vehicle replacement committee, board of directors and line officers had to consider the operational needs and funding needs of the project before making a decision.  The path taken ensures the fire company can continue to effectively respond to emergencies in our unique fire protection district, while conserving funding for future projects.

The line officers would like to thank everyone who contributed to the successful replacement of the apparatus, from the planning phase to the first response.  It is our honor to provide this critical equipment and service to our community.