The Mount Gilead Fire Department’s acquisition of a new truck had been a topic of much discussion during village council meetings over the past the month. The newly aquired truck has arrived and is now ready for official use.
Mount Gilead Fire Chief Greg Young said the vehicle, while not entirely equipped for extended service outside village limits, can be used for fire calls inside the confines of the village.
Originally projected to cost $159,000, the truck was purchased for $4,000 less than originally budgeted for.
Young stated that it cost the previous owner $450,000, brand new.
“It is the by far the most sophisticated piece of fire equipment around,” he told council members at the March 7 Mount Gilead Council meeting.
Young explained that once the department fully outfitted the vehicle with proper equipment it would be used on all fire calls in the area. The current fire engine would then be used for the department’s rescue calls. Young believes this will cut down on vehicle wear and maintenance cost.
The village’s other emergency personnel department, the Mount Gilead Police Department, is in the midst of hiring a new police officer.
Mount Gilead Mayor Mike Porter stated that the department has received three inquiries into the position. Officer Brett Rinker’s departure to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office created the vacancy last month.
In addition to updates from the fire and police departments, council members will now consider repealing the current standing “Pit-Bull” ordinance in the village.
The codified ordinance, as written, states that no Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier may be kept within village limits.
Code and Regulations Committee Chair Chris Sherbourne introduced legislation to repeal the ban on “Pit-Bulls”, as well as redefine vicious dog parameters.
The proposed legislation passed first reading at the March 7 meeting.
Council members Chris Sherbourne and Tim Clapper look over paperwork before the March 7 Mount Gilead Village Council meeting.
