Marion City Council approved the purchase of a 1993 E-One Hurricane 75-foot Quint fire truck during its meeting Monday. The truck will be capable of fighting fires above the tallest buildings in Marion and is something firemen have wanted for several years. Fire Chief Red Howton said the ladder could extend to reach about five stories, if necessary.
The truck is being purchased from an Alabama firm that recently bought it from the Paducah Fire Department. Marion officials had previously tried to buy the same truck when Paducah sold it at public auction. The truck is being purchased for $102,685. It is capable of spraying 1,250 gallons of water per minute.
Marion Fire Department currently has three pumper trucks, but may sell one after the ladder truck is in service, the fire chief said.
The city is also in the process of building a new fire station on the corner of Main and Bellville streets. The station will cost around $700,000, according to estimates.
