Columbus Union Concerned about Vehicles

City officials announced that extra staff, fire crews and medics will be stationed at the three fire stations surrounding The Ohio State University campus beginning on Friday. But the condition of those fire trucks and medics may not be the best thing for the front lines, NBC 4's Nancy Burton reported. Fire Station 7 is included in the list that will have more crews on hand during the Ohio State-Michigan game this weekend. Battalion Chief Doug Smith said the other two stations involved are at Olentangy River Road and Third Street and Arcadia and Deming. "We're just bringing them in to make the city safer," Smith said. The safety of the equipment is a serious concern for Firefighters Union President Jack Reall. "It's got 163,000 miles. That's a lot of hard miles on this truck," Reall said. NBC 4 learned on Tuesday that the engine will be called into service this weekend, and the mileage isn't the only concern. "The back door doesn't open. So it's not locked. It does not open," Reall said. Most of the lights on the engine are working, but there are lights missing on the left side -- lights that used to light up a scene for firefighters. "These trucks are well beyond their years. (They're) not safe for members," Reall said. As for the backup medical truck, Reall said it has close to 100,000 miles on it and the front line truck has about the same mileage. Reall said in the last year, the emergency vehicle has had six batteries and alternators replaced. Despite the union's concerns, city officials said the safety equipment is up to the job. "They're a little older, but they're still in good shape," Smith said. Watch NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for continuing Buckeyes coverage.