Atlas Twp.-At their May 19 meeting, the board of trustees agreed to move forward with the purchase of a vehicle for the township fire chief.
Township Trustee Barry June suggested the purchase for Fire Chief Fred Forys.
‘Right now the fire chief drives his own vehicles to the scene of a fire,? he said. ‘If the chief had a vehicle with him at all times this could also improve response time and improve the speed of securing the fire scene.?
June suggested a Chevrolet Tahoe 4 wheel-drive with seating for six. A group buy from the Genesee County purchasing department would be a base price of about $31,800. Lights and decals would be at additional cost.
In 2012 the Atlas Township Fire Department added a utility task vehicle to their fleet of firefighting equipment. Powered by a three cylinder Kabota engine, the tank style tracks are designed to cross rough, wet country to extinguish fires or conduct rescues. However, while a great firefighting tool, they are also very heavy.
‘The Tahoe can also be used to tow the UTV,? said June. ‘With a V-8 the UTV can now be hauled out to some remote locations with ease.?
June will continue to reseach the purchase which will be on the agenda for June.