Longboat Key's oldest vehicle reserved for drastic floods

The oldest vehicle in Longboat Key Fire Rescue’s fleet was a bargain (free), but maintenance adds up.

LKFR’s only high-water vehicle, a 1998 Stewart & Stevenson M1078, is not on the island right now since it is undergoing extensive repairs to fix a coolant leak, hydraulic fluid leak, air leak and more. The mechanic’s bill came out to more than $9,000.

“The issue with that truck is that the maintenance for that vehicle is astronomical,” Fire Chief Paul Dezzi said. 

That’s despite firefighter/paramedic Josh Moss’ ability to perform routine maintenance thanks to his experience in the military working with similar vehicles.

The vehicle's value to the town, though, is shown during moments of crisis. The high-water vehicle can be used to rescue trapped residents when flooding inevitably occurs on the barrier island. The M1078 was built with the capability to trek through water more than three feet deep.

“We only use it for a little bit, but when you need it, you need it,” Dezzi said. “We use it for evacuation.”

The high-water vehicle also keeps LKFR’s priciest equipment out of harm’s way. In 2020, a fire engine that waded in high water suffered more than $15,000 worth of electrical damage.

“What we don’t want to do is drive our fire engines in high water,” Dezzi said. “(The high water vehicle) is the only thing we can use to get inside areas with high flooding. Our ambulances can’t get in there. Our fire trucks can’t get in there.”

Dezzi said the department has a few ways to respond to flooding events. A “Jon” boat was recently added to Fire Rescue’s fleet of vehicles, which can bring supplies and get first responders to flooded areas quickly. Both Sarasota and Manatee counties also have high water vehicles that can be deployed to the coast.

“During a flood, everyone is going to want those trucks,” Dezzi said. “So us having one that is in operation, we’ll be able to do it ourselves without asking for assistance."