An ad-hoc committee has been created in Bethel to discuss how to move forward on replacing an aerial ladder truck for the Bethel Fire Department.  The 90-foot ladder and turntable do not work.  The Committee inspected the apparatus, which has only used for the tools on board since September.  When a ladder truck is needed on a call, mutual aid is requested from surrounding towns.  Fire Chief Scott Murphy says the parts are difficult to replace due to the 42-year old truck’s age.

The group rejected the idea of buying a ladder truck from Bedford Hills, New York as it is not in the department's best interest or the best interest of Bethel residents because the truck is currently-out of compliance with NEPA Standards.  Combined with the purchase price, refurbishment to bring it into-compliance will cost an estimated $1.6 million. This is the estimated cost of a new truck that meets the town's specific needs. 

The Officers of the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department did not support the purchase of the used vehicle. 

The 2013 Holdsworth study determined that the Bethel Fire Department's current truck should be replaced with a completely new truck by 2020.  The Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Department does not have a ladder truck, but officials say will need one in the near future due to growth in that section of town.

The Committee wants to see the original spec and bid on the refurbishment done in 2005.  They noted that the 2018 report points out critical deficiencies, and the 2019 report includes the hydraulic issue.  The group also requested testing reports and repair orders for the last few years.