By Rebecca Feldhaus/Paducah Sun
Paducah, KY – The Reidland-Farley Fire Department could soon have a ladder truck in place of their fire and rescue boat. The department board of trustees is in talks to trade the quarter-million-dollar boat for another piece of equipment. Officials are cautious to buy or trade for another product because of previous Fire Chief Richard Tapp's purchase of the boat prior to securing funding and the ensuing negative public perception. The Paducah Sun Reports Board Chairman David Humphrey would not comment on specific details because he thought it could threaten the deal. Chief Rick Archer told the board a ladder truck could reduce local property insurance rates by improving the fire department's rating. The department attempted to sell the boat in April, but had no luck.