Derby Ladder Truck Out Of Commission Awaiting Repairs: FD

DERBY, CT — Derby fire officials said the city’s only ladder truck needs brake repairs, and until it is addressed, the community has to rely on getting one from Shelton or Ansonia if there is a fire.

On Friday morning, the department posted about the situation on its Facebook page.

“We, the Derby Fire Department, are patiently waiting for the city to allocate funds so we can fix the brakes on the only ladder truck in the city,” the post states.

The truck has been sitting in a firehouse for about three weeks in need of the repairs, according to fire officials.

“If you have a fire at your house in Derby right now the first ladder truck to be called is coming from Ansonia or Shelton,” the post states.

This could mean a delayed arrival time at a fire scene, fire officials said.

Brian Hall, city finance director, said Friday he anticipates the funding issue will be resolved on Tuesday, March 11, at a meeting of the Board of Apportionment and Taxation. According to Hall, the board needs to allocate additional funds toward fire department equipment repairs.

“We need to go through a process to get more money to make sure the repairs are done,” Hall said. “This should be taken care of on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the repair shop we use wanted payment upfront.”

Longer term, Hall said the city wants to pursue new equipment for the fire department.