The Bozeman City Commission will vote tonight on whether to buy a new ladder truck for the fire department at a cost of about $1 million.

Bozeman Fire's current ladder truck can raise its ladder in about a minute. It can also spray an incredible amount of water at a fire.

"It allows us to perform some very quick rescue maneuvers , allows us to get to some of the taller structures in our community," said Jason Shrauger, Bozeman Fire Chief

Not too bad for a truck about 27 years old. But that's a truck that, on average, lasts 20 years.

Chief Shrauger told MTN News why the new truck is important for the community.

"It's at the end of its life cycle," said Shrauger. "We're seeing some expensive maintenance."

The new truck the department hopes to purchase will be much like the current truck with a few differences. A bucket at the end of the ladder will allow more than one firefighter to go up on the ladder.

Commissioners will vote on the new ladder truck at tonight's meeting.

We will continue to follow this story and let you know how the commission votes

Posted: May 6, 2013 8:30 PM by Judy Slate - MTN Newsfor more visit www.kbzk.com

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