Ladder truck move stirs controversy

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Ladder 21 is used to help fight some of the biggest fires - like the one the city saw earlier this month at 16 Park. But come Sunday, the fire truck is being moved from the Indianapolis Fire Department's Station 21 to 36, despite neighbors’ efforts to keep it nearby.

The reassignment means Station 21 won't have a ladder truck. Folks who live in the northside community signed petitions to stop the change.

Kyle O'Brien fears “the response time is going to be delayed.”

City County Councillor Christine Scales, R-District 4, is worried too.

“I am more convinced that the removal of this truck puts us all in danger,” she said. “It is needed at this location. We have many high-risk vulnerabilities in this area, and more high-rise buildings than anywhere else in Marion County.”

The truck is being moved to Ladder 36 in the Lawrence area. That truck has had $66,000 worth of repairs in the last 18 months. Overall, the switch will save the city $1.5 million, according to a spokesperson for Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, Marc Lotter.

Some firefighters assigned to Ladder 21 are torn but trust the city's decision.

“I know the city has it taken care of, and they feel they can cover the area in a suitable amount of time,” Mike Senzig said.

Lotter said exactly that.

“IFD will continue to meet and exceed all standards,” he said.

A representative with IFD says Stations 6 and 9 have ladder trucks that will cover the area. Both are about 2.8 miles from Station 21.