The Ypsilanti police and fire departments are adding new vehicles to their fleets.

The Ypsilanti City Council approved purchasing a new class 1 pump truck from engine manufacturer Crimson Fire, Inc and the purchase of four new police vehicles at its Tuesday meeting.

The Ypsilanti Fire Department is getting a new engine.

The fire department received a Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant for $249,300 to assist with the purchase of a new engine, which will be painted yellow to match Ypsilanti's other fire trucks. The vehicle’s cost of $340,000 left $90,747 to be drawn from the fire department’s motor pool fund to cover the rest.

Ypsilanti Fire Chief Jon Ichesco said the department opted for the Crimson class 1 engine because it meets insurance standards. The Insurance Services Office guidelines require a minimum of 3,500 gallons pumped per minute at a large fire. The department has an engine capable of pumping 2,000 gallons per minute, and Ichesco said he no longer has the manpower to send three trucks.

“I’m confident it’s a good buy,” Ichesco said, adding he expects to get 20 years of service out of the engine.

The fire department will replace a 1987 truck that Ichesco said doesn’t meet current safety standards and is a “clunky” stick shift, which some of the younger firefighters can't drive.

The Ypsilanti Police Department will replace two 2006 Ford Crown Victoria patrol cars with 2011 Chevrolet Tahoes at a cost of $53,975. Lt. Craig Annas said the Tahoes offered much more space for the increased amount of gear an officer is required to have in the car. In addition, it gets better gas mileage, costs less and is a two-wheel drive for better handling.

The Ypsilanti Police Department is receiving four new vehicles.

File photo

Two unmarked 2002 Chevrolet Impalas will be replaced by two 2011 Ford Taurus cars at a cost of $55,390. The vehicles are for administrative use and are not equipped with all the features of a full police cruiser. Annas said the Impalas will be used in the detective bureau and countywide narcotics team.

All the Ypsilanti police vehicles were purchased with funds from the department’s motor pool account.

Council Member Brian Robb relayed a question heard on the campaign trail concerning changing the color of the vehicles from the city's usual black. He said one resident commented that it appeared “militaristic”.

No indication was made that police would change the vehicles' color from black.

Tom Perkins is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.