Rig Recon Live hosts Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier talk with Chief Poitras of the Limestone Fire Department in northern Maine about ordering the department’s first new fire truck in 30 years. Poitras shares his background as a third-generation chief and fleet mechanic, outlines Limestone’s rural coverage (including contracted service to Caswell) and reliance on water shuttle due to limited, low-flow hydrants, and explains how call trends drove them to design a rescue-style pumper. The committee gathered member input, studied neighboring rigs, and prioritized safety, efficiency, and “boots on the ground” features like speed lays, pull-out trays, accessible hard suction, a powered ladder rack, extensive LED scene lighting, roll-up doors, and a trash line. They chose a Metal Fab body on an International HV607 chassis, discussed technology upgrades (electronic governor, air primer, tank gauges, Fireman’s Friend fill valve, automatic transmission), budgeting to a $540,000 cash purchase, procurement/negotiation lessons, and plans to return to a long-term replacement rotation.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Used Truck Workarounds

01:13 Show Intro and Guest

01:54 Chief Poitras Background

04:37 Keeping Old Rigs Running

05:33 Department and Coverage Area

08:17 Why a New Truck Now

10:05 From Used to Custom Spec

11:55 Spec Process and Priorities

14:18 Safety and Efficiency Features

19:07 Learning New Tech

20:19 Big Tech Upgrades

21:47 Automatic Transmission Shift

22:51 Automatic Transmission Benefits

23:40 Tank Gauges Upgrade

24:28 Firemans Friend Valve

26:09 Chassis Builder Selection

28:29 Spec Revisions And Fitment

32:01 Bidding Versus Negotiation

35:28 Budget Cuts And Addons

40:31 Replacement Rotation Planning

45:00 Top Three Takeaways

47:43 Closing Remarks And Wrap

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