Originally published in the 10/12/18 print edition of Yellowstone County News.
LOCKWOOD — Sometime during the next two to three years the Lockwood Fire District Board must consider replacing its ladder fire truck, an expenditure that could reach almost a million dollars, said Lockwood Fire Chief John Staley during the October meeting of the board last Wednesday. The good news is that the district is in a good position financially to handle the replacement.
The current vehicle is 25 years old and has already had an engine replacement that cost $400,000. Its biggest problem now is a pump that frequently springs a leak. While repairs are still possible, they will become increasingly difficult as replacement parts are no longer being made and they must be acquired from used vehicles, a process that can be lengthy.
Frosty Erben, chairman of the fire board, said that he read more