FireFighterNation

By Bob Vaccaro
Published Tuesday, November 1, 2011 | From the November 2011 Issue of FireRescue

If you can’t afford to purchase a heavy-rescue vehicle and a pumper, which one do you choose? For the Highlands (Texas) Fire Department (HFD), the choice was easy—they went with a “two-in-one” vehicle: the Transformer rescue pumper from Crimson Fire.

In many departments around the country, doing more with less is the common theme. The HFD is no different. “We try to replace our vehicles every 25 years,” says HFD Chief Harvey Little. “Unfortunately, because of budget constrictions, this idea doesn’t always work out. We never had a dedicated heavy-rescue vehicle, but due to finances, we couldn’t afford to purchase both [a heavy-rescue and an engine].” So the department specced a rescue truck and pumper combined into one vehicle.

Choosing Crimson
The HFD’s response district is a combination suburban/rural community with 17,500 residents. It’s primarily a bedroom community with a large area of unprotected, unhydranted properties. These features created the need for a diverse vehicle able to supply water as well as respond to other calls.

“Back in May of 2010, we formulated a plan to replace an older engine,” Little explains. “Since we also wanted it to handle extrication, technical rescue and act as a Class A pumper, we decided to spec out a dual-role rescue pumper.” The HFD’s apparatus committee consisted of five members—the chief, the EMS chief, the assistant chief, a lieutenant and a captain. This allowed broad input into the vehicle design.

“Because we use our own funds from donations from the public, as well as an EMS billing program, we pretty much could buy what we wanted,” Little says. “However, we still solicited [several] manufacturers and dealers for their designs and bids. We received a better price from Crimson and we also like the Spartan cab for its large, open space. The Transformer design was also something we liked because of the added compartment space as well as having a short wheelbase. From what I understand, this is the first one built by Crimson of this design.”

Early in the process, Metro Fire, the local Crimson dealer, brought one of the Transformer vehicles to its offices, which created the opportunity for the HFD apparatus committee to drive and operate all aspects of the truck. “We were also able to take the president of our local bank, the American Bank of Texas, along with us to view the vehicle,” Little says. “He liked what he saw, which was a big plus before he agreed to financing for the pumper.”

Visiting the factory was not an option for the HFD due to distance and cost, so Crimson sent drawings and weekly photos while the vehicle was being constructed. “We worked with Metro Fire to resolve any design discrepancies and make any needed corrections,” Little says.

CAFS & More
The new apparatus allows the HFD to store all its rescue equipment on one vehicle. But the features go beyond just the usual rescue tools.

“We also had a CAFS system installed, which was new to our department,” Little notes. “So we’ve been training on its use, and so far it works well. The future will tell whether we spec it out on future vehicles.”

Other vehicle features include a computer, heat and air conditioning, and enough compartment space to carry extrication tools, air bags, a cascade system, battery-operated lights, cribbing, stabilizer jacks, positive pressure fans and the normal truck company and engine company tools. “For the most part, we ordered the vehicle with an all-new complement of tools, although we did transfer some tools over from our other vehicle,” Little says. “We also tried to make the new truck easy to operate for our members. We didn’t equip it with a lot of options. For instance, we have a manual deck gun, and our valves are mostly electric with some manual operation.”

The HFD is happy with this Crimson engine and with the service they received from the local dealer, Metro Fire. “There were some minor problems with the vehicle when we first received it, but service after the sale was excellent, with Metro Fire taking care of our needs,” Little explains. “We would definitely purchase another vehicle from them in the future.”

Think It Through
Speccing a combined engine/rescue vehicle requires thorough preplanning. Finances are a good place to start: What you can and cannot afford will play a big part in your apparatus design. If you decide on a squad or rescue-type pumper, can you afford all the bells and whistles, or will you design a basic, functional apparatus that meets your needs? Many departments are going back to manual gate valves and deck guns. Consider this option rather than just assuming the fancy electric operation is the way to go. Minimizing computer operation of the vehicle might be to your advantage and can also produce cost savings.

Also, think about what your community really needs. Do you need a 2,000-gpm pump or will a 1,250 or 1,500 suffice? The size and configuration of compartment space and deciding what you will carry should also factor heavily in your choice of vehicle. The bottom line: The HFD designed a functional, cost-effective apparatus. With some planning, you can too.

Highlands Specs

• Side-control pump panel
• 1,250-gpm Darley PTO pump
• 750-gallon UPF tank
• 8.0-kW Onan generator
• Aluminum body
• Roll-up doors

The Transformer Pumper
With all of the specialized equipment that engine and rescue companies are required to carry these days, compartment space is at a premium. Various manufacturers have attempted different ways to free up space. Crimson Fire’s answer: the Transformer pumper. Most engines locate the pump and controls in a pump house, which can take up as much as 164 cubic feet of space. The Transformer does away with the pump house, and instead integrates the pump and manifold system into the body, just forward of the rear wheels. This allows Crimson to actually reduce the vehicle’s overall length while
providing more compartment space. The Transformer frees up more than 130 cubic feet of pass-through space for mounting and storing equipment.

Crimson lists the following additional features of the Transformer:

• Short wheelbase (as short as 168 inches) for increased maneuverability
• Transverse L1 and R1 compartments
• Pump-and-roll capability
• Class A or B foam and/or CAFS capable
• 2010 EPA engine compliant
• 1,250–1,500-gpm pump
• Versatile pump-control locations

Comment Now: Post Your Thoughts & Comments on This Story

• 

  Bob Vaccaro

  Bob Vaccaro has more than 30 years of fire-service experience. He is a former chief of the Deer Park (N.Y.) Fire Department. Vaccaro has also worked for the Insurance Services Office, the New York Fire Patrol and several major commercial insurance companies as a senior loss-control consultant. Vaccaro is a life member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Read Full Bio

Tweet