Advertising on Fire Trucks?

[nystate]

Just saw this on my local news website, http://www.wwnytv.net

Feedback: Advertising On City Fire Trucks?
Monday, January 05, 2004, 2:58pm
Watertown Fire Chief Dan Gaumont has an idea that could save the city money. He's proposing to sell advertising on the side of city owned fire trucks.

He has seen it on cars and buses in the city--so he says why not a fire truck?

Chief Gaumont is looking for ways to bring in revenue for a cash-strapped city. His latest idea: sell a billboard on the side of the city's fire truck.

It's something he has proposed to a couple of national corporations and there is some interest.

Gaumont says it would defer costs of very expensive ladder trucks. The last truck purchased by the city, due to arrive in May, cost more than $700,000.

But a recent accident with what was the first line ladder truck might force the city to buy at least another used truck.

"I don't see the harm in doing that. I see it as a way of generating revenue. I see it as a way of reducing the overall cost of the vehicles. I see it as a plus for the community and the city--a way of reducing our cost," said Gaumont.

Nothing has been formally proposed to the city council yet. However, at least one council member has concerns.

Roxanne Burns says though Chief Gaumont has been very effective writing grants and getting money in the past, this is not a cost saving measure she would support.

She wants fire trucks to look professional and her main concern was the appearance of impropriety.

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Personally, I don't like the idea, but its up to the city, and if they need the money, I can deal with seeing advertisements on the trucks...

[GalvestonDuck]

What's next? Sponsorship of squads and battalions? Police?

"Crews from the Nokia 55th were able to extinguish the flames before all eight units in the apartment building were destroyed."

"Homicide detectives from the 14th Pepsi Precinct were still on the scene, recovering evidence from the apparent murder-suicide."