City officials say opening the Rockford Fire Department vehicle repair shop on Falcon Drive to other fire departments is paying dividends by covering the cost of an extra mechanic and producing a modest profit for the department.
Not only does the program raise revenue, but it also gives the department an extra set of hands to repair and return Rockford fire equipment to service quickly after a breakdown, Fire Chief Derek Bergsten said.
Now the department is trying to spread the word to other departments that it can repair their fire trucks fast and at good price.
“We have the training and the expertise to work on pumps and aerials,” Bergsten said. “We are highly trained, certified and have that great turn-around time.”
Rockford piloted the program this year.