Minutes 10-14-2025-Joint Meeting w/Fire Department

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Brandon Mullen (representing Chief Jeff Borland) said Cedar Grove has 32 volunteers, 5 part-time firefighters, and one full-time Chief. Slide #11 Caldwell Fire 7 Department Fla Fire Chief: Brad Allison Insurance District(ISO Rating): Caldwell (4) Accomplishments • Increase in volunteer members • Ordered new brush truck • Completed station renovations at Caldwell Station 1 • Purchased additional rope rescue equipment • Two members graduated from the ACC Fire Academy/EMT Class • Maintained insurance rating for the Caldwell fire district • Received grant to replace tires on Tankers 733 & 743 11 Chief Brad Allison reported 42 volunteers with no paid staff currently, though he foresees adding part-time staff next year. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how a brush truck is different from the new engine Cedar Grove purchased. She also asked why it takes so long to get a truck. Chief Potter said there is no exact answer at this time for why there are such drastic delays and price increases. He said the state and federal government are looking into that. He shared that an engine contract signed in 2021 for about $600,000 would cost over $1 million to replace today. He deferred the Chief Allison about the brush truck. Chief Allison explained that brush trucks are smaller units for wood, fuel, and grass fires, holding 200-300 gallons of water with smaller pumps, carrying chainsaws, backpack blowers, and rakes. They cost about $70,000 compared to over $1 million for engines. He described losing a brush truck during Chantal when it dropped off a road in heavy rain, with water rising to the windows, forcing both firefighters to climb onto the truck's top. He said the replacement should arrive by the month's end. He explained that engines respond to structure fires and vehicle fires, and current wait times are three to five years for delivery of those vehicles.