Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Fire Department is getting a new ladder truck and a series of facility upgrades. Fire Chief Joey Darby briefed City Council members on the progress. The department ordered the truck in late 2023, and it is now in its final stages of production. Darby said the department is on track to take delivery this fall.

"Our ladder truck is in final production, so we're excited about that," Darby said. "We're on track for hopefully a completion date at the end of October, which means that we'll have to make a trip up to Minnesota, hopefully early November, and see that truck arrive."

The Rosenbauer manufacturing facility in Minnesota is building the truck. The estimated final cost is $1.4 million. Darby said that large vehicles, such as ladder trucks, can take up to three years to complete.

The new truck features a 78-foot aerial ladder, a water tank and pump, a full load of fire hose, and ground ladders. These features allow it to serve as either a custom pumper or an aerial ladder truck. It will be assigned to Fire Station No. 3 and staffed at all times by a crew of four firefighters.

The Foley City Council recently approved the purchase of additional equipment for the new truck, totaling $84,137.92. That equipment will also enable the truck to operate as a pumper. The city had previously ordered hydraulic rescue tools for the vehicle at a cost of about $40,000. Darby said the total cost of all tools and equipment came in under the $150,000 budgeted for materials.

Foley is also moving forward with plans to build Fire Station No. 4 on East Fern Avenue. The station is currently in the design phase, and the design is expected to be completed in March 2027.

The city budget that took effect Thursday, October 1, 2026, also includes funding for renovations at Fire Station No. 1. These improvements will strengthen the building to better withstand high winds and storms. The project will also include a new roof system and begin preparations for a new exterior.

The Foley Fire Rescue Department is also working to renovate and rebuild the fire training facility's burn tower during the current budget year.