By Rich Larson
The Northfield Area Fire and Rescue Service is preparing a major overhaul of one of its aging bucket trucks, a move Fire Chief Tom Nelson says will improve safety, extend the vehicle’s life and help ease long-term budget pressures for the cities and townships the department serves.
The 20-year-old aerial truck is one of the department’s least-used but most specialized pieces of equipment. Instead of replacing it outright—a process that can now take four years and cost more than $3.5 million—the department plans to “upfit” the existing truck, a strategy Nelson compared to renovating an older home or keeping a high-mileage family vehicle on the road with smart investments.
Two years ago, the truck received a new engine and transmission. The upcoming work, scheduled across 2027 and 2028, will involve sending the vehicle back to the manufacturer in Ohio for a comprehensive inspection and refurbishment of its hydraulics, hoses and other critical systems. The goal is to ensure the truck remains safe and reliable without forcing a full rebuild that would require meeting every new code standard.
“This helps all of us,” Nelson said, noting that the project will be funded through two $250,000 capital allocations spread over two years. The truck is expected to be out of service for several months, departing in fall 2027 and returning by early 2028, a relatively short downtime compared with ordering a brand-new apparatus.
The project comes as fire departments nationwide face rising costs, long production delays and industry consolidation that has limited competition among manufacturers. Nelson said these factors make it increasingly difficult for small and mid-sized departments to plan far in advance.
For the Northfield Area Fire and Rescue Service—a joint powers department serving Northfield, Dundas and surrounding townships—cost predictability is especially important. Townships must set their levies years ahead, making careful capital planning critical.
Retooling existing equipment, Nelson said, allows the department to balance safety with fiscal responsibility. The bucket truck also remains a key mutual aid asset, often shared with neighboring departments when specialized aerial equipment is needed.
By extending the life of the truck instead of replacing it, the department hopes to reduce financial strain while continuing to provide dependable service. “It’s about sending the right truck at the right time,” Nelson said, “and being good stewards of the dollars our communities trust us with.”
Rich Larson is the owner and General manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
