At a meeting Tuesday morning, the Village of Ephraim Community Protection Committee approved a new command vehicle for the fire department. The item was originally brought up in a regular meeting on August 4th, but following a presentation from Chief Justin MacDonald, it was decided that more information was needed. Tuesday’s special session fleshed out details about why the vehicle was required. MacDonald said that adding to the department’s fleet would allow the brush truck to remain available at all times for frontline needs. MacDonald also pointed out how important it was to have a space where he could direct the department’s efforts at the scene of a fire that is distraction-free.
Ephraim Fire intends to bid on a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe at an upcoming auction, with the expected price around $15,000. The vehicle is owned jointly by the Town of Washington and the Door County Sheriff’s Department. It has been used for several years, with approximately 80,000 miles on it. Should Ephraim Fire win the bidding process, it is expected that the Tahoe would have a useful life of about ten years before needing to be replaced. MacDonald said he has spoken with Deputy Chief Patrick McCarty about the Tahoe and was told it is in good working order.
The Tahoe body is painted gray, which is acceptable for its potential new role, but it will have to be modified with appropriate lighting and lettering, among other changes that could total as much as $8,000. Member John Cox was the only vote against the measure. He said there are more pressing needs for the department, including an expansion of the fire station.
