The Russellville Fire Department’s 20-year-old ladder truck broke down once again recently during an annual pump test at Boy Scout Lake.

The apparatus test was for the Insurance Service Organization (ISO) which regulates the fire tax. The better a cities ISO rating the lower the tax.

This is the second time within a few weeks the truck has failed to operate appropriately causing great concern among firefighters and one council member in particular.

Council member Pat Bell, who also serves as a volunteer firefighter, read a statement prepared by Fire Chief Billy Poole at a previous council meeting concerning the truck.

Poole had come to the council the first of the year asking them to purchase an $800,000 ladder truck because the one the city has currently is to old and is failing. Poole’s request was denied because the city could not afford to make the purchase. The city’s grant writer is attempting to gain funding through another avenue.

Poole said the truck just shut down without warning. “I had to dispatch the biggest wrecker on the list which was in Lewisburg,” said Poole in his statement.

The towing service came out but could not tow the massive fire truck so Poole had to call Basham’s Wrecking service out of Bowling Green who was able to pull the tuck to the service center. The problem this time involved the fuel shut off solenoid which had gone out.

“Now, I know that doesn’t sound like a long time for a truck to be down, trust me, it is when it’s the only one in the county,” says Poole. “The tallest ground ladder we and most fire departments have is 24 feet. That will not reach the roofs of these downtown buildings, or the roofs of some of our industry, or the third story of some of our homes.”

The chief said the ladder truck is not just for the reach they get but for the large amount of water the fireman can put on a fire in a matter of minutes.

“Right now the Russellville Fire Department has an ISO rating of 4, which is very good for a town our size. I hope to maintain that rating. This is what new industry looks at when deciding to come to a certain area, fire protection,” said Poole adding, “(It) was the second time in two months this truck has had to be towed and worked on. I would not be doing my job of serving and protecting the citizens of Russellville if I did not continue to try to get this truck replaced.”

Poole said he is aware of the city’s financial situation but says there has got to be a way to get the city a new ladder truck.

“This 20 year old truck is just going to get worse and less dependable.” Poole said.