FARMINGTON – After looking over a used, diesel-powered ambulance on Friday, four selectmen voted to allow Farmington Fire and Rescue to purchase it.

The department will use the vehicle to replace a trailer used to store and transport an air pack refill system for firefighters, Chief Terry Bell said Tuesday.

During a recent fire, parts of the refill system were frozen. The station does not have room to store the trailer inside, Bell told selectmen in December.

The 11-year-old former city of Westbrook ambulance has 157,000 miles on it and was offered for $7,500 through Ron Morin, who sells ambulances across the state, Bell said.

Selectmen wanted a chance to see the vehicle before allowing the department to use fire equipment reserve money to buy it.

The board approved using the reserve on the condition that the department reimburse the account within 18 months through the sale of the trailer and if needed, additional fundraising, Town Manager Richard Davis said. There is flexibility to the condition, he said. The department is expected to raise funds to the best of its ability.

While selectmen questioned the ambulance age and mileage at the previous meeting, board members had few questions after looking over the vehicle, Bell said.

“The vehicle is a bargain. Mileage is not much of an issue as it is diesel . . . and it’s been well maintained,” Davis said.

Along with the air tanks, the vehicle will carry other equipment and provide a place for firefighters to rest during a fire. Lettering will be added as part of the sales agreement and the air system equipment will be added to it before the vehicle can be used, Bell said.