- Operational Services Division
The Operational Services Division (OSD), which administers the State and Federal Surplus Property Programs, recently worked with federal agencies to transfer a surplus firetruck to the Town of Upton. The truck’s addition to Upton’s Fire Department promises to strengthen the Town’s emergency response capabilities and help the Department deliver on its commitment to protect and serve the community.
“We were on the hunt for an additional firetruck because we had two trucks in need of refurbishment,” said Upton Fire Chief Michael Marchand. The two trucks are being repaired one at a time, and the newly acquired truck enables the Fire Department to provide uninterrupted service to the community.
After missing out on a truck he eyed earlier in the year, Chief Marchand reached out to OSD’s Surplus Property Program, and the team jumped into action to request the truck. The truck needed two new tires, plus some electrical work, but otherwise was in good shape. It was delivered to Upton and eventually went into service in fall 2024.
“This truck caught our eye because it was built as a brush truck, meaning it’s made to fight wildfires and drive on rough terrain in addition to street driving,” said Chief Marchand. “At the time, we didn’t realize how resource-intensive this fall’s fire would be.”
According to a November press release issued by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Drought Management Task Force, Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Department of Fire Services, hundreds of wildfires broke out across the state in October and November, burning more land than Massachusetts usually sees in a year. These fires, while a natural part of the fall season, pose serious threats to property and public safety when sustained over time.
The Town of Upton’s long history of using Federal Surplus Programs to acquire equipment goes back to the 1970s. Chief Marchand, who celebrated 45 years with the Department in December, is an advocate for adopting surplus property. “When there’s something I want, I look at the listing once or twice a week,” said Chief Marchand. If he finds something that could be used by another Department, he sends the listing their way.
With the high price tag associated with new fire equipment, surplus property is a sustainable and cost-effective option for communities in Massachusetts. “Federal Surplus has been a great solution for us, but the key is having the right people in town who are willing to entrust the funds toward it. Some might think you need to wait until there is room in the budget to buy something new, but Upton is an example of resourcefulness paying off,” said Chief Marchand. “We are definitely happy with our investment in this truck.”
Visit the Federal Surplus Program website for more information. Contact the State Surplus Property Office at OSD_SSPO@mass.gov.
