Shrewsbury Okays Purchase of Two Emergency Vehicles

Shrewsbury's Council recently approved the purchase of two new emergency vehicles that will replace a borough ambulance and fire engine that are, combined, nearly 50 years old.

Jerzy Chojnacki, Fire Chief of , said the council approved two new truck bids for a new rescue unit and engine. The rescue unit, he said, will replace a 23-year-old ambulance and the new engine will replace one the fire department uses that's 25 years old.

The total cost of both vehicles comes out to around $591,000, he said. Both bids were awarded to Pennsylvania-based KME-Kovatch.

Factoring into the decision to purchase the two vehicles was the recent complete closing of Fort Monmouth. Chojnacki said in an email that the fort previously provided paid fire service, including a heavy rescue, to surrounding towns, including Shrewsbury.

In order to provide the same level of response, Shrewsbury's emergency vehicles needed an upgrade.

"The size increase was needed due to several factors," he wrote. "Including additional equipment we now carry."

With a heavy rescue unit, Shrewsbury can better respond to issues on roadways and train crossings, both local and in the area when called in for assistance.