The Norwalk City Council reached a decision Thursday night on how to move forward with the Fire Department’s 17-year-old aerial platform truck. The vehicle, a key piece of equipment for both residential and commercial fires, recently developed mechanical issues requiring repair.

Fire Chief Jenn Porter presented three options: repairing the truck for about $50,000, refurbishing it for roughly $500,000 to extend its life another five to seven years, or beginning the process to purchase a new aerial apparatus at an estimated cost of $2.5 million with a four-year build time.

Council members discussed the financial implications, the city’s ISO insurance rating, and community expectations to maintain current fire protection levels. In the end, the council voted to authorize immediate repairs to return the truck to service.

Officials also directed staff to research how any equipment changes could affect the city’s ISO classification and insurance rates. Repairs are expected to take about 30 days once parts arrive, keeping the department’s aerial truck operational while long-term replacement planning continues.