The Seiverville (TN) Fire Department has had a lot of success using compressed air foam systems (CAFS) and rear-mount pumpers, so when it came time to replace an aging pumper, the truck committee wanted to have a similar vehicle built. By Alan M. Petrillo After...
Assembling an Apparatus Purchasing Committee
By Bill Adams Contrary to popular belief and the ramblings of pundits and commentators including myself, there is no single “best way” to assemble an apparatus purchasing committee (APC). Many so-called industry experts tout biased opinions expounding on the past...
Fall River (MA) Fire Department Acquires Ferrara 85-Foot Midmount Aerial Platform
By Alan M. Petrillo Fall River (MA) Fire Department wanted to replace a 14-year old, 81-foot midmount aerial platform and needed a truck with a narrow body, the shortest wheelbase possible, and the smallest...
Technology Developments Propelling Fire Apparatus Into Future
By Alan M. Petrillo Fire apparatus are getting smarter, easier to operate, and safer for firefighters thanks largely to electronic technology being incorporated into the veins of the trucks. AXIS™ Smart Truck Technology is one such system that connects to various...
Apparatus Specification Considerations: 10 Steps to Complete a Needs Assessment
By Bill Peters The first step in acquiring new fire apparatus is to determine the operational needs of the department. This is not always as simple and straightforward as it seems. Often the apparatus that is...
Ask a Darley Engineer: Helping Rural Budgets
Q: What has Darley done to ease rural department budgetary concerns? In recent years, the U.S. economy has experienced drastic swings. That has caused a chain reaction in all areas of the economy. As a result, municipal budgets have been hard hit. With already tight...
Industrial Apparatus Sizes Run from Large to Huge
By Alan M. Petrillo The design of industrial fire apparatus usually centers around one main attribute, that of putting maximum amounts of water through the rig to protect industrial facilities such as refineries, chemical plants, and other large manufacturing...
Are the Gates on the Apparatus Pump Panel Hard to Open and Close? Then Clean Them Up!
By Mike Murphy Have you ever looked behind the pump panel, into the pump house, and seen how much grime and dirt collects in there? It seems like every particle of dirt gets in there and a good majority of it takes up residence. If you are experiencing issues with...
Miami-Dade (FL) Fire Rescue Department Taking Delivery of Six Clean Cab Concept Rescue-Pumpers
By Alan M. Petrillo The Miami-Dade (FL) Fire Rescue Department is taking delivery of six E-ONE clean cab concept rescue-pumpers designed to prevent particulates on contaminated turnout gear and SCBA from...
The Rig: Is the Side Suction the Answer?
By Ricky Riley In past Rig articles and Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment articles, I have championed having numerous options for receiving water to your engine company. Making sure you have all the tools in the tool box to be able to supply the engine with...
Ask A Darley Engineer: Driveline Layout for Pump Installations
Q: How does Darley determine if a driveline layout is acceptable for a pump installation? A: Darley closely reviews four key categories before approving a driveline application. We begin by determining if the driveline diameter can handle the maximum torque to be...
Meeting the Intent of NFPA 1901
By Bill Adams During the apparatus purchasing process, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, is the accepted “bible” for fire departments and apparatus manufacturers (OEMs). Unfortunately, both can interpret it...