The Matawan Borough Council approved the purchase of a ladder truck for the fire department for a total cost of $692,225.04 at their regular action meeting Sept. 4.

The SL75 Demo #334 Aerial Fire Truck, to be purchased from Sutphen Corporation, will be housed at Midway on Broad Street, according to Acting Fire Chief Donald Mason. It contains a 75-foot straight ladder.

Currently, the Matawan Borough Fire Department does not own an operable ladder truck, which prohibits the fire department from safely responding to emergencies at buildings with multiple stories.

Mason explained that there is a mutual aid response plan in place for local fire departments and typically Cheesequake, from the Old Bridge Fire Department, responds when Matawan is in need of a ladder truck.

"It services the town better. It also enhances our fire rating for home owners insurance," he said.

A low interest bond will be used to fund the borough's purchase of the ladder truck.