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Welcome

The Finest Supporting the Bravest!

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

Houston Rural Fire Department Adds Brush Fire Apparatus to Fleet

Posted: Jun 20, 2016

Houston Rural Fire Department Adds Brush Fire Apparatus to Fleet

The Houston Rural Fire Department took another big step last week in its ongoing process of constant improvement, adding a large brush truck to its fleet. Looking at it now, it's not easy to envision that the truck - nicknamed "Bigfoot" - was less than a year ago a military transport vehicle.

After receiving a major makeover, the big red machine is now equipped with the ability to suck and spray water from outside sources (such as ponds or creeks), but can also carry 900 gallons in its on-board tank.

Bigfoot's high ground clearance and four-wheel-drive give it the ability to go places smaller brush trucks can't, and its tank has triple the capacity of its less sizable cousins.

Houston Rural obtained Bigfoot for free from the Missouri Department of Conservation, which was given about 160 of vehicles by the U.S. Army. After receiving them, MDC distributed the trucks via an application process.

Two men were basically responsible for Bigfoot's transformation from a mid-1990s model military vehicle to firefighting juggernaut: Kyle Hale and Jon Cook. The two spent thousands of man-hours toiling in Hale's shop building on Highway E north of Houston, stripping down the original truck and then rebuilding it with firefighting equipment and finishing it with a sharp red paint job.

Houston Rural's fleet now features four brush trucks, two pumpers, two rescue vehicles and a tanker. The department's roster includes 15 active firefighters.

Chancellor Fire and Rescue Fire Apparatus has New Home in Southwest Virginia

Thanks to a generous title transfer of used equipment by Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue in Spotsylvania County, a fire department in Southwest Virginia can fight fires more effectively when the alarm sounds. Jasper Volunteer Fire Department in Scott County received Chancellor's Engine 7 on June 1 and will use the engine to fight structure fires in the area.

Jasper's team was using an older pumper that wasn't as efficient, and the department lacked sufficient funding to purchase a new engine.

Chief Leonard Bowen of Jasper Volunteer Fire Department explained how Engine 7 found its way to Southwest Virginia. "One of our members was a good friend of a Chancellor member and our need for a new engine was discussed by the two men."

Following a period of information-gathering, Chancellor's board approved the transfer of Engine 7 to JVFD. "This is the newest fire truck that we now have and it's our only engine with a totally closed cab," said Chief Bowen, noting that it soon will be repainted and lettered with the department patch. "We are really happy with this engine!"

Pierce Delivers Seven Custom Fire Apparatus to Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department

Five Saber pumpers and two Arrow XT heavy-duty ladders join growing Pierce fleet in Indianapolis.

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, has placed five PierceÂ® SaberÂ® pumpers and two Pierce Arrow XT™ 75-foot heavy-duty aerial ladders into service with the Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department (IFD). The seven apparatus join 40 Pierce custom apparatus now serving at IFD.

“We are very proud that IFD has purchased and placed these Pierce Saber and Arrow XT custom apparatus into service in the Circle City,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president of the Fire & Emergency segment and Pierce Manufacturing. “This repeat purchase represents a vote of confidence in Pierce vehicles and the excellent support team in place with our local dealer, Global Emergency Products.”

Mark Harvey has served as Battalion Chief of Support Services for IFD since 2009 and has been with the department since 1980. “During my tenure, we have purchased 25 Pierce trucks and now have 47 Pierce apparatus in our fleet. The majority of our crews prefer to have Pierce trucks.”

All new in 2014, the Pierce Saber is the market leader in the industry standard custom chassis segment. The cab interior offers ample room for firefighters and features a raised roof transition line moved forward to create a “cathedral ceiling” effect. Each of the five identical pumpers is equipped with a 450 hp engine, a 2000 GPM single stage pump, a 500-gallon water tank, a Control Zone™ pump panel, and a full complement of ground ladders.

The pair of Arrow XT 75-foot heavy-duty steel aerial ladders is each equipped with a 450 hp engine and is built on a single rear axle chassis configuration. The cab features a raised and notched roof, a forward facing EMS compartment, and seating for six firefighters. The storage compartments include dual LED strip lighting and a combination of adjustable shelves and slide-out trays. The three-section aerial device features remote tip controls, a 2-way intercom, and blue LED lighting.

Pierce dealer, Global Emergency Products, provides local service and support through its full-service facilities in Indianapolis. For more information, visit www.global-pierce.com.

More: www.piercemfg.com.