LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Louisville Fire Department is facing a critical gap in funding and resources, with a staggering $34 million in deferred maintenance across its facilities and equipment. This growing concern is not only about outdated infrastructure but also the safety of the firefighters who rely on it daily to protect the community.
Firehouses in Disrepair
Earlier this year, WDRB News showed photos inside one of Louisville's fire houses, where peeling paint, holes in the walls, and outdated bathrooms were just the start of a long list of issues. Firehouses that serve the city have been in disrepair for years. Some of the bathrooms are decades old and aren’t even suitable for female firefighters — an issue that has only grown more urgent as the department’s workforce diversifies.
"Our facilities are in disrepair—we need a couple rebuilt," said Louisville Fire Chief O’Neill.
The department has been sounding the alarm for years about these ongoing challenges, but without sufficient funding, the problems continue to pile up.
Aging Equipment: A Growing Safety Risk
But it’s not just the buildings that need attention. The fire department’s equipment is also showing its age, and that could pose serious risks to the safety of both firefighters and the public. In March, during the dramatic rescue of firefighter Sydney Thomas from her truck dangling over the Ohio River, the rope used to save her was over 10 years old—well past its recommended service life.
"We've been sounding the alarm for a long time," said Jeff Taylor, president of the Louisville Professional Firefighters Local 54. "We've had a spectacular year with some of the events that have occurred across the community that have been covered locally and nationally that highlights what we do in a day-in, day-out basis."
Old Trucks Fail in the Field
The department’s aging fleet is also a significant concern. Just last month, during a dramatic nighttime fire at the St. Paul's German Evangelical Church, one of the department’s older ladder trucks failed in the middle of the operation. The truck, which was manufactured in 1994, was unable to perform as needed, forcing firefighters to adapt on the fly.
"It is critically important that the equipment is safe, they have to have confidence that the equipment they're using is safe," Taylor said. "They shouldn't have to sacrifice their life based on budget restrictions. It's been ignored for way too long."
According to the National Fire Protection Association and OSHA, trucks older than 15 years should not be used as front-line equipment. Yet, the Louisville Fire Department still has over 32 front-line vehicles in service, including nine that are over 20 years old. Additionally, there are another 10 apparatus that are more than 15 years old.
A Call for Funding and Action
To address these urgent needs, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg is asking Metro Council to approve nearly $6 million in funding. The proposed funds would go toward purchasing three new fire engines and one fire truck, along with much-needed repairs to four firehouses across the city.
"Our firefighters deserve better than outdated equipment and facilities that put their safety at risk," said Greenberg. "This investment is not just for the fire department—it’s for the safety of every person in Louisville."
The request for funding comes after years of reported issues, including a previous WDRB investigation that highlighted the department's struggles with aging infrastructure and equipment. Now, with the situation growing more dire, city leaders are pushing for immediate action.
The Need for Change is Urgent
The fire department has made it clear: without immediate funding and support, it won’t be able to provide the high level of service that the people of Louisville deserve. The issues of deferred maintenance, aging equipment, and outdated facilities aren’t just inconveniences—they’re safety risks that could have serious consequences in an emergency.
It takes three years to get a new fire truck. The replacement plan is part of an overall plan to renew the department's equipment. It will take several years before all of the old fire trucks are retired and repairs are made at the fire houses.
"We need to do some catching up," O'Neill said.
More Coverage:
- Louisville Fire Department seeks budget surplus to repair deteriorating firehouses, equipment
- Council committee approves 5-year contract for Louisville firefighters
- Louisville firefighters say city is doing little to fix conditions at older firehouses
- Louisville firefighters approve city's 5-year contract after rejecting it in May
- Louisville Fire officials say department needs $31 million to catch up on deferred maintenance
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