Richmond Hill Fire Department stays ahead of national truck shortage through planning, funding

by Laney Mayfield

BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - As fire departments across the country face long delays in getting new trucks, the Richmond Hill Fire Department says it is staying ahead of the shortage through careful planning and local funding.

Fire Chief Brendon Greene says pandemic-related supply chain issues, rising costs and a surge in orders have slowed down production nationwide, leaving some departments waiting years for new equipment.

But in Richmond Hill, Greene says those delays have not impacted response times. The chief says crews are fully equipped and ready, and can respond immediately in an emergency.

The department currently operates three fire engines and one ladder truck across three stations in the city. Greene credits long-term planning and funding through Bryan County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST, for keeping the department prepared.

“What we do is go through our SPLOST budget, which is the Special Local Option Sales Tax. We plan that 12 years out—so right now, we’re working through 2038,” Greene said.

Between 2024 and 2028, the department has budgeted for four new trucks, including three standard engines and a ladder truck used in structure fires. The first engine arrived in mid-2025, with a ladder truck expected in 2027 and two additional trucks to follow.

Greene says that level of planning has helped ensure emergency crews can respond quickly when needed.

“Of utmost importance is getting to that scene safely and being able to render care or mitigate the situation,” Greene said. “If we cannot get on scene quickly, a lot can happen—whether it’s a medical call or a fire.”

While Richmond Hill has avoided major impacts from the shortage, Greene acknowledges challenges remain. He says unexpected delays can still happen, especially as the city continues to grow.

He also noted the rising cost of fire trucks. In the early 2010s, a new truck cost around $500,000. Today, that price has nearly doubled to about $1 million.