Tow company expected to pay for damage caused - 247

Published Date

GILFORD — Deputy Chief Rick Andrews said yesterday that the repair company that is fixing Engine 2 will provide the town with two invoices — one for the repair of the transmission and one for the repair of the air fittings and brake sensor damaged while the truck was being towed.
Andrews said the intent of the fire department is to have Rusty's Towing pay for the damage allegedly caused when the driver towed the engine from the fire station on Cherry Valley Road to the garage off Lake Shore Road.
He said it was his understanding that the driver disconnected the drive shaft before the tow but the transmission reengaged while in route and the drive shaft begin turning. Andrews said there was some damage to the airlines and the Anti-Lock Brake Sensor (ABS) was damaged. The engine was towed with a strap, with all wheels on the roadway.
Andrews said he got a call from Repair Services of New England early Thursday afternoon telling them Engine 2 was back together and was ready for a test drive.
In the interim, Gilford has been able to use Laconia's Engine 1 with the exception of last Friday when Laconia took it back because one of their engines was out of service.
Andrews also said Lakes Region Fire Apparatus in Tamworth was making good progress on repairs to Engine 4 and he hopes it will be back into service on schedule.
"Hopefully, the pump will get fixed and stay that way for a while," Andrews said.