By Bill Adams

What can reduce the usable width, depth, and height of equipment compartments; that costs from $500 to more than $1,000; and might not really be necessary? A slide-out tray mounted on a compartment floor.

Why would an apparatus purchasing committee specify a slide-out tray on the floor of every compartment without knowing exactly what’s going on it? It could be laziness or “the way it’s always been done.” The intent is not to “squeeze pennies” or make firefighters’ lives harder. When specifying a new rig, it might be advisable to step back and look at the big picture.

Photo 1 by Allan Smith shows a slide-out tray holding rolled hose. It is neat and orderly, but it could be expensive to modify later.

Photo 2 shows a compartment without a tray. The equipment on the floor appears accessible and easy to reach. Note: I’d recommend a retaining strap to keep the equipment from banging into the door.

Which layout can easily allow relocating or adding different size equipment in the future?  There’s always that possibility.

NFPA 1900

COVID-19 is still keeping the “raisin squad” out of firehouses, so we’re relying on social media and fading memories to find things to pontificate about. An easy target is the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA’s) proposed NFPA 1900, Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles, Automotive Fire Apparatus, Wildland Fire Apparatus, and Automotive Ambulances.

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SUTPHEN—Seminole County (FL) SP70 mid-mount aerial platform quint. Monarch cab and chassis; Hale Qmax 1,500-gpm pump; UPF Poly 500-gallon water tank; 70-foot aerial platform; Smart Power 10-kW generator. Dealer: David Stonitsch, South Florida Emergency Vehicles, Fort Myers, FL.

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According to a report from WBIR, the small Morgan County, Tennessee, community of Rugby is now in better hands after receiving a new donated fire truck from the Commack (NY) Fire Department (CFD).

Rugby is small, quiet town which was in need of a new apparatus. Its fire department, the Clear Fork Volunteer Fire Department (CFVFD) recently received from good news regarding its search.

The truck was given as a gift by the CFD. CFVFD Deputy Chief Steve Dunschee, a retired New Hampshire firefighter, reached out to his friends up north for help to help find a replacement for its truck, which was around 50 years old.

CFVFD Chief Gerald Hanwright admitted the new truck was a “big boost” for the community.

The truck was on standby during the events of 9/11; the CFD is located just 44 miles from Ground Zero. It should be ready to roll out for service in the coming weeks.

With this gift, the CFVFD can now offer mutual aid and keep this historic community safer as firefighters help save lives.

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According to a report from KWWL, the Cedar Rapids (IA) Fire Department (CRFD) members recently had the chance to train on and familiarize itself with its new 107-foot Ladder 7 aerial truck from Pierce Manufacturing.

CRFD Battalion Chief Brian Gibson said the new aerial offers more versatility on the scene of an emergency than before, creating a higher angle point, allowing for better maneuvering in a tighter space.

All CRFD firefighters received instruction by a factory-direct trainer from Pierce in the Alliant Energy Power House.

The truck cost approximately $1.3 million and will be a frontline response vehicle with a lifespan of at least 15 years. It will be used at Fire Station 7 located at 206 29th Street NE.

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According to a report from The Daily Herald, the St. Charles (IL) Fire Department (SCFD) won’t see its latest purchase for another year, but the anticipation has begun.

Last month, the St. Charles City Council approved the purchase of a $1.3 million aerial ladder that will become the SCFD’s first new 100-foot aerial ladder truck since 2010. It is expected to last the department 25 years. When the new truck arrives, the public works department will sell the SCFD’s 100-foot 1997 aerial ladder truck.

SCFD Chief Scott Swanson said that the department sends its two 100-foot aerial ladder trucks on about 2,000 calls per year. Because of the constant usage, its frontline truck is down for repairs about three months a year. Swanson estimates.

Budget concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the purchase in May 2020. However, the department needed to complete the purchase this month to get a 3.2 percent discount. The city also received $86,000 in additional discounts.

Swanson formed an apparatus committee to ensure the department ordered what was needed. The SCFD even toured other departments to look at their newer vehicles. The department will customize the entire apparatus to fit its needs.

Because there are several three-story high buildings in the city, such as Hotel Baker and Carroll Towers, a 100-foot ladder is a necessity for the SCFD.

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