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The purpose of the Fire Mechanics Section is to promote standardization of fire apparatus and equipment preventative maintenance, improve safety standards and practices, promote workshops, conferences, and seminars related to the purposes of this Section, and to promote cost savings through standardization of building and equipment purchasing and maintenance.

RECENT FIRE MECHANIC NEWS

Posted: Jul 1, 2019

Tuftonboro (NH) Fire Department Adds Toyne Pumper-Tanker to Fire Apparatus Fleet

Mirror Lake, New Hampshire—Men and women of the Tuftonboro Fire Department welcomed the delivery of their new Toyne Tailored Pumper-Tanker. Bearing the “Engine 2” unit ID, this fully customized pumper-tanker will join alongside the department’s other Toyne apparatus, “Engine 1.” With the new addition, Tuftonboro fire crews are better equipped to take the call. 

Stall-built with bolted stainless steel, Toyne mounted the pumper tanker body on a Spartan Gladiator MFD chassis. The department selected a cab that features seating for a crew of six. Powering the apparatus is a heavy-duty Cummins ISX 15 engine, capable of producing over 565 horsepower, and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission. 

Equipped with a Waterous CSCU20 pump and FRC Pump Boss pressure governor, Tuftonboro’s pumper-tanker can move water at 1,500 gpm. Water is stored in a 2,000-gallon UPF tank. Also onboard is an Onan hydraulic generator. An Elkhart Stinger 8297 monitor, fitted with a Task Force Tips 18-inch extension, offers greater fire suppression flexibility for the firefighters. To enhance the pumper tanker’s capabilities, Toyne added a Foam Pro 2002 Class A foam system. 

“This is the second Toyne apparatus that we’ve delivered to the Tuftonboro Fire Department,” said Michael Schwabe, President and CEO of Toyne, Inc. “All of us at Toyne are very proud to have the opportunity to work alongside departments more than once. It allows us to develop a stronger sense of their needs and present new solutions quickly and confidently.”

The Tuftonboro Fire Department has served its New Hampshire community of 2,000 since 1938. Situated along Lake Winnipesaukee, the department provides mutual aid to other local water-front towns. On average, Tuftonboro firefighters respond to over 400 calls a year. To cover such a diverse territory, the department operates out of three stations and utilizes more than 10 apparatus. 

Tuftonboro’s new engine was sold by Eastern Fire Apparatus. The Toyne-authorized dealership is located in Milton, New Hampshire, and serves the needs of fire departments in New Hampshire and Maine. 

Learn more about the Tuftonboro Fire Department by visiting www.tuftonboro.org.

For more information, visit www.toyne.com.

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Posted: Jul 1, 2019

Kochek's New Basement Strainer Draws to Lowest Levels

Putnam, CT—Kochek Company, LLC, has introduced a new strainer that efficiently collects virtually all standing water from flooded basements and rooms, saving operators time and expediting property salvage. This latest product from Kochek, Putnam-based manufacturers of fire equipment and water movement products, is made of high-strength lightweight aluminum alloy and features a unique screen specifically designed to hold nearly flat against any floor. When placed at low spots near a sump or over a drain, Kochek's basement strainer draws water down to levels so low, simple air drying or light mopping can remove any remaining liquid. 

Kochek's new basement strainers are available with camlock, long-handle swivel female NH threaded, and storz connections in 2.5", 3", and 4" hose sizes. All Kochek products are covered by a five-year warranty against manufacturing defects. 

For more information, visit www.kochek.com.

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Posted: Jul 1, 2019

Fire Truck Photo of the Day-Fouts Bros. Tender

Westminster (TX) Volunteer Fire Department tanker. Kenworth T370 cab and chassis.

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Posted: Jul 1, 2019

Apparatus Purchasing: Boston’s Pumpers

Apparatus Purchasing: Boston’s Pumpers


In some fire departments not using an apparatus purchasing committee, the department’s hierarchy and administrative staff solely determine the type and specifics of apparatus to be purchased.

Progressive departments seek input from active firefighters and officers (aka the operations division or the line). Astute departments pursue and evaluate the recommendations of repair and maintenance personnel (aka Maintenance; Logistics; the Shops; Fleet; or, as historically called in Boston, Massachusetts, the Motor Squad). I admiringly call them wrench spinners. My observation is the Boston Fire Department (BFD) approach to specifying new pumpers (aka engines) incorporates—at a committee level—the ideas, concerns, and suggestions of both the Motor Sq//aemstatic-ww1.azureedge.net/content/dam/fa/print-articles/volume-24/issue-6uad and operations division as well as identifies past experiences with apparatus previously purchased.

PURCHASING COMMITTEE OBJECTIVES

In 2014, the BFD, under the auspices of Fire Commissioner Joe Finn, established standard operating procedures for an apparatus and equipment committee under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Robert Calobresi. One of its missions was “to research and develop specifications for engine and ladder apparatus.” In turn, the committee makes specification recommendations to the fire commissioner.

I reference specification documents and interviews with BFD’s Fleet and Logistics Division Lieutenant Jim O’Brien and paraphrase a 2017 Fire Engine Design summary. O’Brien, a 33-year veteran of the fire service, has previously been assigned to Rescue Company 2 and Ladder Company 4. Opinions and observations are my own and do not reflect official BFD protocol and procedures.

In designing the department’s pumpers, the committee’s objective was to expand performance, achieve maximum reliability, and minimize out-of-service time because of repairs and collisions. Past apparatus shortcomings were identified. Fireground operational concerns, objectives, and future planning were addressed. Special attention was given to safely responding and maneuvering in Boston’s highly congested environment by addressing apparatus size and collision avoidance. From personal experience, I categorize Boston’s secondary streets and alleys as very narrow, extremely narrow, and “don’t even think about trying it.” Lanes and paths laid out before the Revolutionary War are not conducive for today’s heavy traffic, parked vehicles, and 20-ton fire trucks seeking the right-of-way.

Engine 3, a 2017 E-ONE Typhoon 1,250/560/30A, is one of a 23-pumper order delivered to Boston. The EMS compartment above the front wheels is 42 inches high with a shutter door.

1 Engine 3, a 2017 E-ONE Typhoon 1,250/560/30A, is one of a 23-pumper order delivered to Boston. The EMS compartment above the front wheels is 42 inches high with a shutter door. (Photos courtesy of Bill Noonan unless otherwise noted.)

Engine 39 features the BFD’s standard all-red paint job, flat cab roof, and painted steel wheels.
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Fire Mechanics Section Board

Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Chair

Elliot Courage
North Whatcom Fire & Rescue
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Vice Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Vice Chair

Mike Smith 
Pierce County Fire District #5
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Secretary

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Secretary

Greg Bach
South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue
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Director #1

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #1

Doug Jones
South Kitsap Fire & Rescue
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Director #2

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #2

Paul Spencer 
Fire Fleet Maintenance LLC
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Director #3

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #3

Jim Morris
Mountain View Fire Department
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Director #4

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #4

Arnie Kuchta

Clark County Fire District 6

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Director #6

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #6

Brett Annear
Kitsap County Fire District 18
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Director #5

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #5

Jay Jacks
Camano Island Fire & Rescue
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Legislative Representative

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Legislative Representative

TBD
TBD
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Immediate Past Chair

Posted: Oct 20, 2015

Immediate Past Chair

Brian Fortner
Graham Fire & Rescue

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