By Bill Adams

The front bumper configurations on custom pumpers at the Fire Department Instructor’s Conference International 2021 (FDIC) were as varied as they were in previous years. Front bumper aprons (the tops) contain valuable real estate that purchasing committees in the past have crammed with so much equipment that functionality could have been compromised. This year, ease of operation and prioritization of the space seemed to be the rule of the day. Standard disclaimer:  Rigs are designed to suit the needs of individual fire departments, and commentary is not intended to be disparaging of any department or apparatus manufacturer.

This rig has two full-width preconnects with recessed swiveling elbows. The hose has to be lifted out of the beds or packed to easily slide over the ends. Watch for kinks. Vinyl covers are less expensive than treadplate doors; however, don’t stand on them to clean the windshield. No front steamer. The lay closest to the cab is tapered to allow for cab tilting.

The steamer protrudes straight through the front bumper, eliminating two elbows required for a top-mounted swiveling fixture. It could be an expensive hit if the rig thumped something. Fewer elbows means less friction loss and increased flow—especially when drafting. Ask vendors what the flow difference is before writing specs. 2½-inch bumper discharges were common this year. Compare the cost and flow differences between 2

Officials in Caledonia (MN) are considering adding a new fire station to a project to construct a new ambulance station, according to a report published by The Caledonia Argus.

The newspaper reported the city has already bought a .89 acre parcel of land on West Washington Street for an ambulance station and just hired an architect to see if it’s feasible to add a fire station to the same location, the paper reported.

The newspaper reported that the fire department has been asking for bigger quarters for some time and city officials believe it might make sense to save money and combine the project. Some think the parcel is too small for larger vehicles and would not make a suitable fire station location.

Recently, the city council voted to spend $55,250 for an architect to develop the plans for a new combination ambulance/fire station, the paper reported. If it is determined the site is large enough for the two services, a decision to go forward with design, the paper said, adding that funding could still be an issue.

If funding isn’t secured, the councilors said the construction project could be shelved until funds are available for the project, the paper reported.

Residents in Gallatin County (MT) will pay more for fire and emergency services to help pay for a new fire station for Fort Ellis Fire/Rescue, according to a report published by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

County commissioners voted to increase the fee from $250 to $400 yearly to pay for the new station and to buy new fire vehicles in the future, according to the newspaper.

The same building has been used by the fire department for the past 52 years and the land for the new building has already been purchased, the newspaper reported, adding $5 million will be needed to complete the project.

 The all-volunteer department has wanted a new station for more than 10 years and are hopeful the increase in fees will help cover the costs, although there is still a $1.5 million gap in the funding, according to the report. Firefighters are hoping donations, bank financing or possible grants will make up the difference, the paper added.

Some of the annual fees will help pay for future fire truck purchases, the paper reported, noting that one of the in service apparatus was bought in 2005 and it should be replaced after 25 years of service.

When built, the new fire station will have five large bays each with space for two trucks, according to the report. It will also have a community room, an operations hub for the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department and a training facility for volunteers.

Firefighters from Madill (OK) Fire Department will soon be responding to calls with a 1989 tower recently purchased from a department in New York, according to a report published by KTEN 10.

The television station reported the truck arrived in Madill after a 1,300-mile trip from Thornwood, NY. The ladder tower was reportedly in mint condition and fit the needs of Madill, the station added.

The truck will be painted Madill’s color, but the department plans to leave on Thornwood decal on it as a sign of respect for the community where it once served, the station reported.