Tarrytown's Conqueror Hook and Ladder Company is well on the way to getting a new ladder truck.

On Wednesday, members of the company's truck committee demonstrated to trustees the need for a new apparatus, with some custom items that will ensure the safety of village residents.

Most of the specs for the new engine have already been confirmed between Conqueror's truck committee and the village's consultant, East West Fire Apparatus. But two of the finer details regarding the height of the ladder on the truck and the length of the wheel base were sticking points for the company.

Trustees and members of the company agreed that, on average, most ladder trucks come with a 230-inch wheel base and a 100-foot ladder. However, the nature of the village's streets and buildings demanded some specification on the issue, volunteer firefighters said.

"230 works for most towns, but it doesn't work here," said Kevin Lustyik, a warden with Conqueror Hook and Ladder Company. "The 220 wheel base allows us to fit into any garden apartment in the village."

He noted that a wider wheel base could cause the truck to  jump curbs or hit walls in narrow spaces.

As for the ladder height, the company brought out Engine 37, which has a ladder of 110 feet. When parked in front of Franklin Towers at 50 White Street, the rear-mounted ladder can just reach the uppermost windows on opposite sides of the building – an important function especially at crowded fire scenes where trucks can get boxed in.

Firefighters urged trustees to consider including a minimum ladder length of 105 feet to esure the apparatus can reach the highest points in the village.

After the demonstration, trustees agreed to work with East West Apparatus to finalize specs that will include a minimum ladder height of 105 feet and a maximum wheel based of 220 inches.

Lustyik said that even the narrowed specs should still attract four to six bids from various manufacturers – an important point for budget-conscious trustees. As soon as the specs are drawn up, the new truck will go out to bid. The apparatus is expected to cost around $800,000.