Sheridan to consider buying discounted demo fire rescue engine with grant support

City staff urged the council to authorize the purchase of a Pierce Enforcer rescue engine from Front Range Fire Apparatus, presenting the deal as an opportunity to save time and money versus a multi‑year custom build.

Heather Kumpinski said staff identified a demo/reserve Pierce Enforcer that matched the city's specifications and that Front Range Fire Apparatus offered a discount relative to a four‑year build. "There's also going to be a savings of over a $130,000 from the original quote of the 4 year build," she said. Staff noted the purchase would be funded by a mix of prior general fund allocations, the $500,000 Mineral Royalty Grant (MRG) awarded earlier in the year, and an $178,000 budget revision line to complete the purchase.

The unit would replace one of the department's older engines and was expected to be available for delivery in the third quarter of next year, rather than the multi‑year wait for a new build.

Council members asked questions about the condition and availability of in‑service engines; the fire chief (Gary Harnish) and division chief (Chad Booth Liger) were present to answer specification questions. Staff said one engine is currently out of service and the other remains functional but both are over 16 years old and due for replacement under the schedule.

Staff recommended proceeding with the purchase and completing funding through the upcoming FY26 budget revision.

Next steps: council will consider the budget revision (which lists the remaining $178,000 needed) and staff said they would follow appropriate surplus and procurement processes to declare the replaced unit surplus.