The County of Stettler council approved almost $100,000 for a new fire department command vehicle. The decision was made at the July 9 regular meeting of council.

Councillors heard a presentation from County of Stettler Fire Chief Troy Auton who was requesting the purchase of a new pick-up truck intended for use as a command vehicle.

Auton explained that while this purchase was previously budgeted it had been deferred, the fire department felt the purchase should go ahead. “The 2025 capital budget initially included a provision for the replacement of Squad 6, with the full cost proposed to be funded from reserves,” stated the staff memo. “In an effort to maximize the value of recent maintenance and refurbishment investments made in 2024, this expense was deferred. However, extending the reliable service life of the unit beyond its current condition would require additional investment.

“Given the vehicle’s critical function as a ‘first-up’ response unit, it is recommended that Squad 6 be replaced to ensure continued reliability and operational readiness. The current Squad 6 would then be repurposed for use in a secondary or support capacity, where its remaining service life could still provide value without compromising front-line response capabilities.”

During his presentation Auton mentioned one of the existing vehicle’s issues. “We’ve had issues come up with the body work,” said Auton to council.

In the staff memo provided, Auton showed the results of a tender for a new pick-up command vehicle: Wolfe Chev Edmonton offered a three quarter ton truck for a total purchase price of $85,792.35, Metro Ford Sales of Tsuut’ina offered a one ton truck for a total purchase price of $89,130.30 while the last offer was from Country Hills Chrysler of Calgary which offered a truck for a total purchase price of $93,000. Auton noted in his memo his recommendation was to buy the Ford F-350 one ton.

Coun. Juston Stevens noted that councillors had been asked in the past by fire officials to purchase SUVs for command vehicles and wanted to know why the approach was changing.

Auton responded that in rural areas such as those covered by the County of Stettler Fire Department that could require travel on pasture and gravel roads a pick-up is superior to an SUV, while a pick-up would also be better suited as an on-scene command post.

Auton stated a pick-up’s storage box would also be superior to an SUV’s limited storage space. “Should be a lot of room for storage,” said Auton to council. “Actually, more-so.” Auton noted if the pick-up was purchased a cover for the box would also be bought to help keep the dust out.

Councillors unanimously agreed to accept Metro Ford’s offer of an F-350 one ton truck for a total purchase price of $89,130.30.