The 1978 Pierce at left and the 1980 Quality engine will remain as part of the three-truck fleet for residents served by the New London Fire Department.

At Monday’s New London Water and Fire Authority meeting the decision was made final on buying a new fire truck to replace one of the department’s older models.

Three months ago the three fire engines used by the all-volunteer department were tested. Three units passed the test while one failed, a 1978 Pierce.

A 1980 Quality model—the second oldest truck—had its pump repaired recently at a cost of $11,300. Some gauges and pressure monitors were also replaced with the total cost coming to $13,832.

The question was raised by Jake Lane, a resident of the New London community, over why the Water and Fire Board won’t replace the 30-year-old truck.

Lane, whose brother, Jason, is the chief of the all-volunteer fire department, asked the board why they have half-a-million dollars in the bank, yet won’t purchase a new engine, a request that has been made by the chief.

“If you’re saving (the money) for a rainy day, you have one. In fact you have a storm,” Jake Lane told the board.

As of July 12 the authority had $552,458 in funds; $385,792 of that is in a “certificate,” according to a hand-written accounting of the department’s funds, provided to Chief Lane Monday.

Chairman of the New London Fire Board Archie Lee told those gathered that the Quality truck now pumps 760 gallons per minute and can function efficiently to fight fires. The truck was originally manufactured to pump 1,000 gallons a minute.

Board members Gary Smith and Bobby Jones both told those attending the meeting that they were in favor of replacing trucks every five years. Smith said that given the circumstances, he would consider replacing the next truck sooner than that. “This truck pumps as much as a new one you could buy,” Smith said of the Quality model.

Smith said that he would rather stagger purchasing a new truck so the department’s fleet wouldn’t wear down at the same time or in case of a disaster striking one of the two fire halls.

Chief Lane told the board that there are other concerns with equipment that need to be addressed, but he has asked the board to consider buying a new truck as the top priority.

“Right now I’m worried about getting to the fire,” Chief Lane, another unpaid volunteer, said.

Asked if the final decision on buying a new truck was made, the three board members then voted against purchasing a new truck.

One volunteer, who asked not to be identified, told the board that driving the old engines made him uneasy. “I’ve driven them and they’re pieces of junk. They’re clunkers… They’re not safe to drive. They don’t have that many miles, but you can wear out a fire truck at one fire.”

Ed Hafner, a former member of the Miami-Dade County Police Department, who volunteers for New London’s Fire Department, said he is frustrated at the inaction of the authority.

Assistant Fire Chief Lionel Callender was asked not to attend Monday’s meeting because the board told him he became unruly at June’s meeting.

The next meeting will be August 12 at 6 p.m. at Station 1 off Logan Martin Dam Road.