COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus’ mayor and top fire department leaders are publicly calling out city council for what they said is the delay of a vote to buy a much-needed new fire truck.
A contract for a new pump truck is in its final step, and the price the city has agreed upon is set to expire in two weeks. This comes as Columbus is already facing a fire vehicle shortage.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said council could have moved this purchase forward for 55 days, but has not. The bid under consideration expires in mid-May and if it’s not approved by council, the cost could increase.
Council said a vote is scheduled and that they have waited to ensure Dublin-based manufacturer Sutphen can keep to its promised timeline.
“Each day that council holds this legislation increases risk –risk to timelines, risk to cost, and, ultimately, risk to readiness,” Ginther said.
In March 2025, NBC4 Investigates told you 65 Columbus Division of Fire vehicles needed to be replaced immediately. The city increased CFD’s budget, but that replacement process is still underway.
The cost and wait time have led to a fire vehicle shortage, as Columbus’ growth has increased call volume and put added strain on trucks already past their life cycles.
“Sixty-six days ago, Columbus firefighters responded to a fire with multiple victims, effected two rescues, and did so in a different type of apparatus than what would originally be required to effect those rescues,” Columbus Fire Fighters IAFF Local 67 President Steve Stein said. “Those firefighters in the second and third battalion went above and beyond and did so without the equipment that we normally rely on every single day.”
For decades, Columbus has purchased fire apparatus from Sutphen. Last year, its workers went on strike, citing unfair labor practices. Workers said…