By Darrell Halen
Staff Writer

One of Windham’s fire trucks, Engine 3, is slated to be replaced in 2011.

But Tom McPherson, the town’s fire chief, wants to substitute the 14-year-old truck for a new one next year.

Engine 3, built in 1992, is tired and should be replaced next year, he told selectmen recently.

“If the truck makes it to 2011, it will probably have flowers on it,” McPherson said at the selectmen’s Oct. 2 meeting. “It’s in tough shape.”

Although a new truck to replace Engine 3 is not scheduled to be purchased through the town’s capital improvement program for another five years, McPherson wants to move the purchase up to 2007.

It’s estimated that it would cost more than $60,000 for repairs to keep the truck on the road, but McPherson said he thinks the town would be better off buying a new vehicle.

Engine 3 has more than 41,000 miles and more than 5,000 engine hours.

“The engine is definitely tired,” McPherson said.

McPherson estimated a price tag of $480,000 for a new truck and loose equipment if purchased next year.

Asked by selectman Margaret Crisler if he is re-prioritizing his needs because he wants a new truck next year, McPherson said he is forsaking replacing command vehicles in his next budget because the engine replacement takes priority.

The town’s CIP schedule is annually revised. To win support for buying a new truck next year, McPherson has invited members of the town’s CIP committee and selectmen to look at the truck.

Firefighter Scott Zins told selectmen that the truck’s wiring is corroding, causing lights to fail.

Plumbing is rotting, the vehicle’s engine is leaking fluids and the radiator is showing wear, according to Zins.

“We’ve had instances where the lights have gone out while the guys are driving it,” McPherson said.