Chillicothe’s Aerial Truck is on the way to Alabama for what is called a remount. Chillicothe Fire Chief Eric Reeter says the truck was loaded on a flatbed semi for the trip. The truck was originally scheduled to be sent to Alabama in the September to October timeframe, but Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus had an opening to begin working on the truck now, and that could mean the truck is ready and returned to Chillicothe in early 2026.
A total refurbishment of the truck will cost about $750,000. The city is paying half now and will pay the remainder of the cost in the 2026/27 budget.
Reeter says the cost to replace that truck would be in the $2 – $2.5 million range and would take 3-4 years to receive the truck once the order is placed.
He says when the truck returns, it will have a new look.
Will have the Hornet Color Scheme.
Chillicothe does have the smaller Aerial Truck and if needed, they can call on neighboring communities to bring their equipment to assist.