Whiteville City Manager Sean Martin, Deputy City Manager Colburn Brown, Fire Chief David Yergeau and City Councilman Josh Harris toured a fire truck manufacturer in Wisconsin this week.
The trip to Wisconsin was not funded by the City of Whiteville, Martin said in an email. He did not immediately respond when directly asked who paid for the trip.
A spokesman for another manufacturer said it is not uncommon for officials to be given free trips to visit companies, considering the size and depth of the purchase.
The four visited Peirce Manufacturing in Wisconsin. Peirce is one of the oldest fire truck makers in the country, having started retrofitting Model T trucks in 1913. The company website says Pierce has manufacturing facilities in Appleton, Wisc. and Bradenton, Fla. More than 35,000 Pierce vehicles are in use across the country and the world.
Yergeau has been urging the city to replace the city’s current aerial rig since 2022. At that time, a new aerial apparatus had a base price of roughly $1.7 million. A new rig similar to the current aerial truck would cost around $1.6 million, depending on options and other work. Costs can run upwards of $2 million, with a two-year wait on delivery for new manufactured rigs. The city did not budget for new apparatus this year, but staff is seeking grants to help cover the price.
City records show WFD’s current ladder truck is a 2000 Pierce Aerial, with a 75’ ladder. Most departments begin formulating plans to replace apparatus at 20 to 25 years whenever possible. WFD already runs Pierce engines that were manufactured in 2006, 2014, and 2020, making the current aerial the oldest regular service vehicle in the fleet.
Martin said the city staff is “currently preparing a presentation for City Council to discuss options and procurement strategies related to a new ladder truck.
“As part of our due diligence, a delegation from the city visited the Pierce Manufacturing facility to gain a better understanding of the company, its products, and how its apparatus may align with the City’s operational needs,” he said in an email. “We will also be evaluating other manufacturers as we continue this process to ensure a thorough and informed assessment. Ultimately, staff will present a recommendation to City Council for consideration.”
Additional trips to manufacturers as well as fire departments are planned, Martin wrote.
“We fully anticipate making additional visits to departments currently operating similar apparatus, meeting with other manufacturers, and engaging with additional sales representatives as part of our evaluation process,” Martin wrote. “Given that this process is still in its early stages and that the investment will likely involve several million dollars, it would be premature to eliminate any options from consideration.
“As we move forward, City staff looks forward to the opportunity to recommend the apparatus that best meets our community’s needs, delivers the greatest value to taxpayers, and is supported by the highest level of service and long-term reliability to enhance public safety,” Martin wrote.
