Fire Truck for Sale!

Talk about a fire sale.

Norristown is letting go of one of its classic fire trucks and anyone with internet access has a shot at picking it up for a lot less than you might think.

Council approved a resolution authorizing the sale of the truck at Tuesday's meeting.

The Norristown Fire Department decommissioned the 1989 Hahn Fire Engine last year after it purchased a new engine from Pennsylvania-based KME-Kovatch for just over $450,000 (paid for with a federal Community Development Block Grant, according to The Times Herald.) Picking up the '89 Hahn a auction won't cost nearly that much, though.

Norristown Fire Chief Thomas O'Donnell noted that his department has gotten 23 years of service from the truck which has a 20-year average lifespan, and while continuing repair costs mean it's definitely time to let it go, it's not exactly a junker.

"[Any small town in] Pennsylvania could buy it and put it in service tomorrow," he said. "It's just a truck that's seen better times for us."

Chief O'Donnell told the Herald last year that other issues with the truck include a leak in the 500-gallon water tank and rust on the body. It also apparently takes a few minutes for the air pressure in the break system to build up. 

"Spare parts are very hard to find," he told the Herald. "Some are no longer around at all."

Hahn Fire Apparatus (a.k.a. Hahn Motors), the Hamburg, Pa.-based maker of the truck, reportedly closed in 1989. 

Interested bidders should keep an eye on municibid.com, a municipal equipment auction site where the truck will be posted for sale. Chief O'Donnell puts the fair market value of the truck at $7800, but the opening bid will most likely be much lower.

According to the department, the engine has 37,720 miles on it. Potential buyers hoping to take it for a test spin will be disappointed however, as the truck is currently not insured or up to date on the registration.

If you do buy Norristown's old '89 Hahn, let Patch know. We'll definitely want to take a ride in the old girl.