The way machines used to be bought if a dept. wasn't using it's own funds like Belltown used to do and still might was to make your "capital projects" budget request. It would go through the city boards and if approved you would be notified. Specs would then be sent out for bid usually to preferred builders. Our specs were so manufacturer specific that eventually Pierce said they would never bid on our stuff and waste their time anymore. Anyway, when the quotes came back there were decisions to make. If too expensive the options were to start removing unneeded stuff or dip into "non-city" funds, those being from donations and fund raising. After that, other than the machine being paid for with a city check the deal was completely between the dept. and the builder. When the machine would be delivered the Cerificate of Origin" would be in the dept's name. Not all vehicles ended up registered and titled. The ones that definately were registered were service vehicles and the first due engines and rescue since they went up on the Merritt Parkway and State Troopers tend to notice absent license plates but it wasn't unusual to see machines with no plates.
After the city entered into that long term contract with HME the old way ceased to exist. The city drew up specs for engines, tankers, ladders and rescues that would then be submitted to HME for current pricing. They were standard spec machines and if a dept. wanted anything extra like a "Q", gold leaf etc. there was the option to kick in the extra cash. So far 4 HME's have been delivered to the vol./comb. depts., 2 to Turn of River, 1 to Glenbrook and 1 to Long Ridge. To send a subtle message due to the ongoing hostilities, both Long Ridge and Turn of River have adopted a black over red "Chicago" paint scheme.
Turn of River's 2005 HME Engine 62 replaced a 1982 Mack MC that was the victim of a horribly botched 1990's Halpern Fire App. refurb. turning a good little, versatile machine into junk.
After the city entered into that long term contract with HME the old way ceased to exist. The city drew up specs for engines, tankers, ladders and rescues that would then be submitted to HME for current pricing. They were standard spec machines and if a dept. wanted anything extra like a "Q", gold leaf etc. there was the option to kick in the extra cash. So far 4 HME's have been delivered to the vol./comb. depts., 2 to Turn of River, 1 to Glenbrook and 1 to Long Ridge. To send a subtle message due to the ongoing hostilities, both Long Ridge and Turn of River have adopted a black over red "Chicago" paint scheme.
Turn of River's 2005 HME Engine 62 replaced a 1982 Mack MC that was the victim of a horribly botched 1990's Halpern Fire App. refurb. turning a good little, versatile machine into junk.
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