HUMBOLDT — The City of Humboldt is moving ahead with plans to add two new vehicles to its protective services fleet, aiming to reduce costs, extend the life of frontline equipment and improve bylaw enforcement coverage.
Humboldt city council will purchase a one-ton pickup truck for the fire department and a second SUV for Community Safety Officer (CSO) and bylaw duties.
The fire department currently responds to calls — including smaller incidents such as grass fires — using its $1.5-million heavy rescue truck. City officials say this has led to unnecessary wear and tear. The proposed $100,000 pickup, which would be outfitted with emergency equipment, would handle lower-risk calls and utility tasks such as transporting personnel, pulling trailers and responding to wildfires.
Half the cost would be covered by the Humboldt and District Fire Protection Association. The remaining funds would come from revenues generated by the fire department’s northern response operations, which brought in more than $757,000 in 2025.
The Protective Services Department is also recommending the addition of a second CSO vehicle. The city currently operates only one SUV, which is used for enforcement within Humboldt and to fulfill contract obligations in Watson and Lanigan. Council has discussed the benefits of expanding the CSO program.
The second vehicle would improve service levels, allow uninterrupted coverage during officer absences and expand capacity for evenings, weekends and community events. Officials are recommending the purchase of a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse from Humboldt Ambulance Service at a cost of $35,000, with an estimated $10,000 for emergency equipment.
Administration is requesting approval to sole-source the SUV, citing cost savings, consistency with the existing CSO vehicle and faster delivery.
Both purchases, officials note, will improve operational efficiency without drawing on property tax revenues.
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