TITLE
The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on approving the purchase of 1 (one) E-One Typhoon Custom Cab Chassis HP100 - 100’ Platform Ladder Truck from Fire Truck Solutions, LLC in the amount of $2,461,592.00, with an estimated delivery of September 2026, to immediately restore critical ladder capability and fleet resiliency for the City. Funding source recommendation is a budget transfer from the Contingency account under the General Capital Improvement Project Fund - 350 (GL 35016161-99000) to incorporate this purchase/project into the Capitol Improvement Plan for FY26. Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
In November, Ladder 574 was involved in a vehicle accident, creating an immediate and ongoing deficit in the City’s ladder apparatus fleet. As a result, the department is currently operating with only one in-service ladder truck and no reserve ladder apparatus. This places the City in a precarious position from both an operational readiness and public safety standpoint.
At present, reserve apparatus are being utilized as front-line units almost daily, leaving little to no margin for mechanical issues, preventive maintenance, or unexpected failures. Without a reserve ladder, any out-of-service time for the remaining ladder truck-whether due to maintenance, repairs, or an emergency failure-results in the City temporarily losing ladder capability altogether. The nearest automatic aid ladder company is approximately 25 minutes away under ideal conditions, not accounting for traffic, weather, or concurrent incidents. In emergency response, that delay is unacceptable.
Market Conditions and Timing
Nationally, the fire service is experiencing historic delays in fire apparatus manufacturing, driven by supply chain constraints, labor shortages, and increased demand. A traditionally ordered new ladder truck currently carries an estimated 4-5 year delivery time frame. That means waiting to place a standard order would leave the City without a reserve ladder-and at risk operationally-for the remainder of this decade.
The recommended E-One Typhoon HP100 presents a rare and time-sensitive opportunity. This apparatus was already fully specified and scheduled for production for a fire department in Texas that has since withdrawn from the purchase immediately prior to the unit entering the production line. Because of this, the City can secure a new, custom ladder truck with a significantly reduced delivery time of September 2026, effectively saving multiple years compared to a new build order.
Earlier this month, the department pursued the acquisition of a demonstration ladder apparatus to address this gap; however, that unit was sold to another agency before it could be secured. This reinforces the competitive and constrained nature of the current apparatus market.
Operational and Financial Considerations
The 100’ platform ladder is a critical, multi-purpose asset that supports fire suppression, rescue operations, high-angle and technical rescues, ventilation, and elevated master stream operations. It is a core component of an urban fire protection system and not a specialty or optional vehicle.
From a fiscal stewardship perspective, delaying action exposes the City to:
• Extended reliance on aging reserve equipment as front-line units
• Increased maintenance costs and downtime
• Elevated risk of service gaps during simultaneous incidents
• Potential liability and public safety impacts due to delayed ladder response
Securing this apparatus now stabilizes the fleet, restores redundancy, and aligns with long-term capital planning by avoiding inflated future costs and prolonged delivery timelines. REV Fire Group and its authorized dealers have been awarded a contract (#113021-RVG) by Sourcewell, 202 12th Street Northeast, P.O. Box 219, Staples, MN 56479 (Sourcewell). The contract includes both E-ONE, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of REV Group, and Fire Truck Solutions, an authorized dealer of E-ONE apparatus. Fire Truck Solutions is fully authorized to sell apparatus, as well as provide parts and services to fire departments in the state of Arizona. All terms and conditions of the Sourcewell contract will apply for purchases through FTS, our exclusive E-ONE dealer of apparatus in Arizona.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the purchase of 1 (one) E-One Typhoon Custom Cab Chassis HP100 - 100’ Platform Ladder Truck from Fire Truck Solutions, LLC - it is a necessary restoration of essential service following an unforeseen loss. Approving this recommendation ensures the City maintains continuous ladder capability, protects response reliability, and responsibly navigates unprecedented national apparatus delays.