UCFD1 chief says equipment cost is far outpacing mere inflation rates
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
HERMISTON – Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 Chief Scott Stanton says there are misconceptions aplenty about the district – especially when it comes to money for equipment.
“I suspect people probably think we have all the money we need and all the money in the world,” he said. “That is not true.”
He said that bigger departments than UCFD1 or smaller ones are all “just broke at a different level.” He continued, saying, “The biggest reason is just the cost of everything.”
Stanton said people see that in their everyday lives as far as inflation is concerned. He said the busier you are, the more fuel and medical supplies you’re going to need. Then, there’s a dramatic increase in the cost of equipment.
“If they paint it red and put ‘Fire’ on it, the price has just gone out of this world,” he said. “A million dollars or more for an engine, over $2 million for a ladder truck, a tower ladder. Ambulances are pushing $400,000. That’s just not sustainable. You’ve got to have good equipment.”
Photo of Chief Scott Stanton
Editor’s note: Chief Stanton was a guest on Tuesday’s KUMA Coffee Hour. A podcast is available at Coffee Hour Podcast clips – Omny.fm.
