After years of growth in Shepherdsville, the fire department is playing some much needed catch-up.
The Shepherdsville mayor and city council approved three new fire trucks, seven new firefighters, a new fire sub station and a training tower in the 2018-19 budget.
“It was desperately needed,” Fire Chief Layne Troutman said.
Troutman said the new equipment, buildings and staff have been wanted for years.
“We're trying to catch up," he said. "We were mostly a volunteer fire department years ago. We're starting to have a lot of growth."
From industrial growth to more restaurants and homes, Troutman said their trucks have been to far too many calls. Four out of six of them have seen better days.
“All of those vehicles should have been put out of service all ready,” he said.
Which is why the three new trucks at over $2 million is warranted, along with the $2.6 million for the new station and training facility.