The Niles Fire Department expects to wait until next year for its new ambulance and until 2024 for a new fire truck.
Both rigs were ordered earlier this year and have been slowed by problems with manufacturers obtaining parts, including computer chips, to complete the apparatus, Journal & Topics reports.
Fire Chief Marty Feld recently told city leaders that May of 2023 is the target date for delivery of its new advanced life support ambulance. The price of that vehicle is already running $100,000 more than the town’s initial estimate.
Meanwhile, the new fire truck is facing even more challenges. The chief said he expects it won’t be completed until May 2024.
The new ambulance will replace a 2015 ambulance that has more than 100,000 miles on it. The truck will allow the department to get rid of a 1992 backup engine currently at its fire station number 2.
