Covington Fire Department worried about aging trucks

COVINGTON, Ky. (Joe Webb) -- Covington recently found itself without the firefighting equipment it needs.

Both of Covington's ladder trucks were in the shop most of the day Wednesday, and firefighters had to rely on other cities.

The trucks are important to fight major fires and rescue people on higher floors of buildings.

One is back in service today, but there are concerns the aging fleet will leave the department relying on help more often.

While Covington isn't exactly New York, it does have its share of tall buildings. On Wednesday night, firefighters made a run for smoke in the ascent.

They didn't have a ladder truck to send, and had to depend on Newport for its truck. There was no emergency, but the situation raised some questions, and firefighters are concerned.

Ladder trucks aren't critical everyday, but when they're needed they are really needed.

Covington's 20-year-old Truck One is a workhorse, making about 100 runs a month.

It was the city's only working ladder truck because the other was out for maintenance., but then Truck One died Wednesday afternoon, leaving Covington without a ladder truck.

It's a scary thought for those living or working in one of Covington's taller buildings. Cassie Juniet and Chris Hille work on the ninth floor of Covington's Rivercenter.

"I think they should have more trucks available to have a ladder that will reach us in case of an emergency," says Hille.

"I think they need a backup plan for a second truck in case something like that ever does happen," says Juniet.

City leaders say there is a back-up plan, and it worked Wednesday night when Covington crews were called to the smoke ascent. Newport dispatched its 911 truck to Covington. It's called mutual aid.

But mutual aid is normally for big events when resources are strained, not to cover break downs.

Covington firefighters say a new ladder truck would cost about $1 million. They're currently working to get an $800,000 federal grant for a new truck.

The city's manager says if they get that grant, the city will find the rest of the money to buy a new ladder truck.

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