Garage Team

With the number of volunteers on the decline and budgets only getting tighter, South Farmingdale Fire Department needed a more effective way to turn surplus fire apparatus into funds for their department. Traditional methods were slow and recouped very little, so they turned to Garage with hopes of expanding their reach and selling faster. 

Rather than letting the trucks sit on a broker site and waiting for someone to find them, South Farmingdale saw the power of Garage's modern marketing and streamlined product — buyers found their listings fast, and within a matter of weeks, they had already sold 3 of their surplus fire apparatus.

, South Farmingdale found themselves with more than $200k in additional funds to reinvest in their community— several times more than they would've gotten with other methods. 

As Fire Commissioner Patrick Fullshire put it:

 "The dealers would have "a guy" who might offer you $50,000 for a piece that's worth $150,000. But you took it because, what else were you going to do? With Garage, we could actually get what it was worth because it got in front of buyers all over the country."

And they're not alone. Hundreds of fire departments around the US, including many others on Long Island, have made their budgets go further by buying and selling on Garage. While the old way of doing things left buyers searching and sellers waiting, modern platforms like Garage have changed what is possible for fire departments and municipalities, bringing the right buyer and the right seller together to make the whole market more efficient. The streamlined approach has not only saved hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, but reduced a months-long process of phone calls, paperwork, and coordination into a matter of days. 

For communities like South Farmingdale, partnering with Garage has breathed new life into a process that left many in local government discouraged and frustrated. With a smoother and more efficient process, cities and towns like South Farmingdale are doing their part to keep taxpayer dollars where they should be— serving the community and keeping people safe. 

https://www.fox5ny.com/video/fmc-po9gkbpn1fi2z980

South Farmingdale (NY) Brings In More Than $200k Selling Fire Apparatus on Garage

Dependable, nimble apparatus able to respond quickly and effectively across a wide, wooded rural area

Just above the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and below the majestic North Cascades National Park sits 60 square miles of picturesque Skagit County, Washington. Skagit County Fire District #8 lies in the northwest corner of Skagit County, about 50 miles below the U.S.-Canada border. The majority-volunteer fire district protects the largely rural communities surrounding the city of Sedro-Woolley, Washington, and East up to Skagit County Fire Authority, near Concrete, Washington.

Founded in 1948, Skagit County Fire District #8, has stations situated at the eastern and western ends of its district, and therefore splits some firefighting responsibilities with the city of Sedro-Woolley in order to most efficiently serve the surrounding areas. Still, despite the best efforts of District #8’s committed volunteers, their company has fallen victim to many of the same challenges plaguing fire departments across the country:

According to junior Commissioner Lance Ford, whose service to the district spans more than 24 years, the national decline in firefighting volunteerism is even more pronounced on the West Coast

Ever since COVID, equipment prices have risen dramatically. A new engine that used to cost around $400,000 now costs over $1 million, placing an enormous burden on resource-strapped fire companies.

While call volume has doubled in the past 20 years, resources have not, and price increases come as budgets are tightening for departments that must now hire paid employees to offset the decline in volunteers

“We’ve been used to saving for a new engine for five or six years, but we were saving for $600,000, and now we’re facing a far higher price for new equipment.”

In an effort to recoup funds to cover the cost of buying new apparatus, the company decided to sell a number of surplus vehicles. Historically, they would sell on auction sites like Govdeals, but were frustrated with how little they would get for perfectly usable equipment. When searching for better alternatives for selling fire apparatus, one of the fire commissioners discovered 

Compared to other options, they were drawn to Garage’s nationwide reach and modern tools to streamline the process. Early on, they used Garage’s 

 to get a data-backed estimate for their fleet’s value. Rather than go it alone, their Garage account specialist stepped in and immediately guided them through the process, sticking with them every step of the way. With tailored guidance and professional marketing, Garage helped Skagit reach serious, fire department buyers across the entire country. By selling quickly and getting a fair price for their assets, Skagit County Fire District #8 freed up time and money to refocus on their top priorities - fire protection and prevention in their community.

Garage’s nationwide platform connected Skagit with fire department buyers from all over the US, increasing the likelihood of a sale at the best possible price.

From day one, Skagit’s account specialist at Garage helped with every step of the process, from photos and listing improvements to coordinating virtual inspections with interested buyers.

Unlike other methods, transacting through Garage meant protection for both Skagit, and the buyers of their apparatus. Funds were transferred directly to Skagit’s bank account in a timely fashion, all while protecting both parties from fraud.

Ultimately, all four vehicles sold within just one month of each other, netting hundreds of thousands of dollars that will be reinvested into critical equipment to serve their community.

These results, while impressive, are pretty common on Garage. Here were some keys to success:

Rather than guessing, Skagit County leadership used real sales data to set their price, using Garage’s instant 

While Skagit opted to take photos themselves, Garage helped them optimize their listing with 

 and guidance to maximize interest in their listing. They got inquiries within days.

When selling an expensive, specialized vehicle like a fire truck, exposure is everything. Garage’s in-house marketing team promoted Skagit’s listings— like they do all listings– to make sure they got in front of the right buyer, at the right time. This helped them sell faster, and recoup more from the sales.

“We remember when these things used to sell for nothing…We listed everything for a lower [value] than the appraisals, but on Garage they all sold for two-to-three times what we expected.”

For a fire district servicing a broad, rugged swath of the Pacific Northwest, every dollar counts when it can be reinvested into fire suppression and community protection. Working with Garage, Skagit County Fire District #8 quickly and painlessly turned their surplus apparatus into a valuable asset for their department, helping them provide the highest level of service for years to come.

Skagit County Fire District #8 (WA) Saves $100k+ By Selling on Garage

Firefighter & Apparatus Expert

Buying a used fire truck can save your fire department hundreds of thousands of dollars compared to buying new — but only if you buy the right truck, from the right place, with the right protections in place. Between compliance requirements, freight logistics, and funding approvals, the process can get complicated fast.

Fortunately, there are more options than ever — from peer-to-peer listings to purpose-built online marketplaces that handle the process for you. But not all options deliver the same quality, transparency, or value.

Here’s a breakdown of the four most common ways to buy a used fire truck in 2026 — and what to consider in your decision-making process.

What to Consider When Buying a Used Fire Truck

Before you start shopping, it helps to know what your department’s priorities are and where you can afford to make trade-offs:

 – How close the asking price is to true market value, factoring in condition, mileage, and demand for that type of truck. Online tools like Garage's 

 can help you determine a fire apparatus’ fair market value in just a few simple steps, using real nationwide sales data.

– What shape the vehicle is in. What documentation and inspection reports you’ll receive before purchase, and if you’ll need to make any repairs in order to put the truck into service.

 – Whether the platform verifies titles, manages payments securely, and ensures the truck matches its listing. Will you be protected in the event that something goes wrong?

– How many options are available to choose from, and where they’re located. Consider whether the selection is limited to your local area, or if you can buy from sellers all over the country.

 – What are your non-negotiable requirements, and what things are “nice-to-have” (Pump size, tank size, length and height requirements, etc.)

 – How much time your team needs to spend coordinating inspections, freight, and payment. Are there experts available to assist with the process?

 – How large transactions (and taxpayer funds) are protected — escrow, verified transfers, or handled directly with a seller.

 – Who manages transport after purchase? Are there economical freight options available, or do you have to pick-up yourself?

 – How responsive and knowledgeable the platform is when issues arise. Can you speak with a real person if you need assistance?

The right buying method will strike the right balance between these factors for your department’s specific needs. Below are some of the most common ways to buy a used fire truck in 2026 — and the pros and cons of each.

 Fire departments with experienced buyers and a high tolerance for risk, looking for older, lower-value trucks. 

Platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist occasionally feature used apparatus, usually from individuals or small departments. Your best bet is to join a Facebook group dedicated to selling used fire apparatus. Be careful though - listings are unverified, payments are manual, and there’s no protection if the deal goes wrong.

High risk of scams or misrepresented condition.

No inspection, freight, or payment safeguards.

Heavy time investment managing messages and logistics

Have to coordinate inspection and freight logistics yourself if the seller is not local.

 Fire departments that are opportunistic buyers - flexible on make, model, or specs - and looking for a potential deal on whatever inventory happens to be available. Most often, auctions are best for private buyers looking to resell a vehicle for profit.

Auctions — whether in-person or online — can be a quick way to pick up a used apparatus at a discount. But that discount often comes with trade-offs: little transparency, limited inspection opportunities, and no buyer protections.

Many departments report winning bids that later reveal major repair needs or missing records. You might get a deal — or you might inherit a project truck that costs more to fix than it’s worth.

Potential to buy locally without dealing with freight logistics.

Trucks sell “as-is,” with no warranty or inspection.

No payment protection or recourse if issues arise.

 Fire departments that prefer guided help but can tolerate higher prices.

Brokers work one-on-one to source apparatus and handle negotiations. They can help if you need a specific truck or configuration, but typically mark up inventory and may only find trucks within their own limited network, slowing down the process. Used dealers may also broker trucks, but their main focus is on buying apparatus at a discount and reselling at market value or higher. 

Personal help finding a specific make or model.

Some handle delivery or inspection coordination.

Some dealers will make repairs and service trucks before sale. 

Lack of transparency and potential for misaligned incentives.  

 Fire departments that want verified sellers, secure payments, and nationwide selection.

With modern technology, online marketplaces connect fire departments from all 50 states to transact in a more efficient way. Without the murkiness of middlemen and the unpredictability of "doing it yourself", marketplaces like Garage allow buyers and sellers to transact directly with each other, with added protections and support that take the heavy-lifting off of both parties. 

Garage is the first marketplace built specifically for fire apparatus and specialized vehicles. Buyers can browse verified listings from fire departments across the U.S., message sellers directly through the platform, request virtual or in-person inspections, and use a powerful, data-backed

 to ensure pricing aligns with current market conditions. Garage offers both Buy Now and Online Auction purchasing methods to align with your fire department’s rules and regulations.

Every transaction is supported by a hands-on customer team, which coordinates inspections, freight, and payments — saving time and hassle. If the vehicle you are interested in is too far away to inspect in-person, Garage will help coordinate a virtual inspection with the seller — a video call allowing you to see every detail of the truck, ask questions, and negotiate. 

All payments are verified and held securely until delivery is confirmed, protecting against fraud and giving departments peace of mind on large-ticket purchases.

Verified listings from departments and trusted sellers.

Nationwide inventory across all apparatus types.

Secure, escrow-style payments with fraud protection.

Freight and title coordination handled for you.

Free appraisal insights to confirm fair pricing.

World-class customer support throughout purchase.

Requires basic account setup - but the Garage customer support team can help assist with this process to keep it quick and easy.

Response times can vary by seller, which may cause short delays when coordinating details or inspections. The upside is you’re speaking directly with the department that owns the truck, not through brokers or middlemen.

Depending on your department's needs, there's a time and place for every option mentioned above — but for departments that want an 

easier process, verified inventory, and secure transactions

They combine the transparency of direct buyer/seller communication, the flexibility to buy via Buy Now or Auction, and the peace of mind of secure, escrow-style payments to protect your municipality from fraud— all with dedicated customer support and a process designed to save time and money.

Garage helps departments buy confidently, not blindly — ensuring you get the right truck, at the right price, without the risks that come with other methods.

If you're in the market for a new addition to your fleet, you can find thousands of quality used fire apparatus for sale on 

The Best Places to Buy Used Fire Trucks in 2026

Selling a used fire truck is one of the biggest financial decisions a fire department makes outside of buying a new one. Done right, it can return meaningful funds to your budget, and help you plan for the future. Done wrong, it can cost your department time, money, and credibility.

These 12 tips will help you sell your used rig 

faster, for more money, and with fewer headaches

Selling a fire truck can take longer than most departments expect, especially if you go with traditional methods. Approvals, paperwork, and finding the right buyer all add time.

 whenever possible. If you’re waiting for delivery of a new truck, you can always list early and mention that it is contingent on delivery in your listing’s description.

Clear, honest answers build trust and prevent deals from falling apart later.

Overpricing is the fastest way for a truck to sit unsold.

An objective appraisal helps you understand:

A realistic price range for the current market

Some departments use data-backed tools—like Garage’s 

—to get a quick, market-based estimate before deciding how to sell.

Complete records make buyers more confident and speed up the sale.

You don’t need to restore it—but it should look cared for.

Remove equipment that will not be included with the truck

Clean trucks sell faster and attract more serious buyers.

Photos matter more than most departments realize. Whenever possible, pull the truck out to take photos outdoors and ensure good lighting.

Poor photos can cut buyer interest in half, while good photos will help you get better offers, faster.

If you need help, Garage offers professional photography services for sellers.

Avoid vague phrases like “runs good.”

Honesty saves time and avoids failed deals.

Your best buyer may not be nearby. Departments across the U.S.—and sometimes internationally—are often looking for very specific requirements.

Platforms with nationwide exposure usually lead to 

. For example, on Garage the average listing sells in just 33 days.

9. Understand Tradeoffs with Traditional Methods

Traditional auctions can be fast—but often mean:

Selling to a reseller or a dealer trade-in can mean quick cash, but you should expect an offer well-below market value.

Brokers, on the other hand, may help you get a better price, but their limited reach often means waiting a long time for your apparatus to sell - if ever.

Whatever method you choose, make sure you understand what your department is giving up and what you are getting.

Clear logistics prevent last-minute problems. On platforms like Garage, shipping and pickup are coordinated by the platform, simplifying the process so you have one less thing to worry about.

11. Know How You’re Getting Paid (Safely & Securely)

Unfortunately, with expensive assets like fire trucks, scams and fraud are common. Before selling your vehicle, it’s critical to understand how you will get paid and protect yourself from bad actors. Before choosing a method, make sure you understand:

How payment will be handled before accepting an offer

The risks of paper checks (delays, stop-payments, fraud, returned funds)

When you will release the truck (will you wait until funds clear to release it?)

To simplify the process and avoid scams, many departments choose trusted platforms like Garage - that provide 

secure, fast payments processed through the platform

, offering added verification and fraud protection for taxpayer funds.


12. Choose a Process That Saves Staff Time

Most fire chiefs don’t have time to manage dozens of phone calls and emails.

This protects your time and ensures you're getting serious, quality offers.

A used fire truck is still a valuable asset. Selling it correctly can help fund new equipment, reduce budget pressure, and support your next apparatus purchase.

Plan early. Price it right. Be transparent. Your department—and your community—benefit when it’s done right.

Selling a Used Fire Truck in 2026: 12 Tips to Sell Faster

 Fire suppression, EMS, rescue operations, and marine operations

 Reliable, ready-to-roll apparatus and equipment to serve a diverse community and respond across a wide geographic area

A lakeside town on the shores of Lake Champlain, Colchester is one of Vermont’s largest communities. It’s home to busy residential neighborhoods, seasonal tourism activity, and a mix of commercial and light industrial zones. The Colchester Fire Department protects not only its own residents but also assists neighboring communities through mutual aid.


For Colchester Fire Department, readiness is non-negotiable. Crews must be prepared to respond anywhere in town—or to neighboring departments—at a moment’s notice. Reliable apparatus and properly equipped rigs are the foundation of that capability.


The department had surplus apparatus to sell, but without a clear sales channel, there were real challenges:

 No set timeline for when the truck might sell or for how much

 Local sales channels and auctions often attract few bidders

 Managing listings, inquiries, and logistics can pull focus away from operations

As Assistant Chief Christopher Brown explained:

“Before dealing with Garage, we didn’t know when it was going to sell, how we were going to sell it.”

Garage stepped in to handle the entire sales process from start to finish, removing the administrative burden from Colchester’s leadership.

 Garage’s platform got the word out quickly, attracting buyers from across the country.

 Garage coordinated the entire process, from marketing to payment and freight.

 Interest built rapidly, and the apparatus sold in a fraction of the time the department expected.

 Colchester earned tens of thousands more than the department would have earned through local auction or self-sale

 Proceeds went directly back into the department—updating fleet, tools, and equipment

 Leadership was able to stay focused on protecting the community while Garage handled the sale

 Colchester was able to connect with serious buyers well outside of their local market

 Garage took care of marketing, buyer communication, and freight

 Achieved a far higher sale price than traditional methods could have delivered.

Assistant Chief Christopher Brown’s Perspective

“I think working with Garage was a no-brainer. If I was to talk with any fire chiefs in the neighboring area… I would definitely recommend Garage.”

Serving one of Vermont’s most active and unique communities, the Colchester Fire Department needs every dollar to work hard for its firefighters and residents. By partnering with Garage, the department was able to maximize value, minimize hassle, and ensure their crews stay equipped and ready for whatever may come their way.

Success Story: City of Colchester, Vermont

As Vermont’s largest city and an economic, cultural, and transportation hub, Burlington’s Fire Department protects a dense urban core, a busy waterfront, and vital infrastructure. The department’s crews are on the front lines daily, responding to fires, medical calls, and emergencies that demand dependable equipment.

But replacing apparatus has become increasingly difficult:

 Trucks purchased for $600,000 just a few years ago now cost $800,000–$900,000.

 Three-year build times delay getting new equipment into service.

 Historically, surplus apparatus disposal was handled through the Department of Public Works, often yielding low returns at local auction.

“Basically, we’d take what we could get, which wasn’t much.”

, the online marketplace that connects fire departments and municipalities to transact directly with each other - anywhere in the US.

 Their surplus apparatus listings were posted to a nationwide audience, generating interest almost immediately.

 Garage worked within Burlington’s needs, allowing for a smooth and compliant transaction.

 Freight pickup was smooth—Garage’s partner handled loading, securing, and transporting the unit.

 Funds were delivered exactly when Garage promised, with fraud protection in case something went wrong. 

The switch to Garage delivered both a better process and a far greater financial return.

 from across the country, not just regionally

 Proceeds will help replace Burlington’s command vehicle

 No uncertainty, no delays, no added administrative load for city staff

 Garage connected Burlington Fire Department with a pool of serious, qualified buyers from around the country. Their trucks traveled to buyers as far as Texas and Wisconsin. 

 Garage handled the entire sales and logistics process, saving time and headaches.

 The department secured a higher price in less time than with traditional methods, which helped stretch their budget further.

“Garage solved that for us… We got about five times more for our equipment selling with Garage than we did on our own. The money moved to the account when Garage said it would. In the past, things weren’t always that smooth.”

For Burlington — like towns and cities across the country — every budget dollar counts toward maintaining readiness for a wide range of emergencies. By leveraging Garage’s nationwide reach and turnkey process, the Burlington Fire Department transformed its surplus apparatus sales into a reliable, high-value funding source. The result: more resources to keep crews equipped, residents safe, and the city’s critical infrastructure protected.

Inside Garage

South Farmingdale (NY) Brings In More Than $200k Selling Fire Apparatus on Garage

Skagit County Fire District #8 (WA) Saves $100k+ By Selling on Garage

The Best Places to Buy Used Fire Trucks in 2026

Selling a Used Fire Truck in 2026: 12 Tips to Sell Faster

Success Story: City of Colchester, Vermont

Why Vermont's Largest City Trusts Garage to Sell Surplus Vehicles