Multipurpose Apparatus

Back in in the beginning of 2014, American LaFrance closed its doors, and the customers who had been operating LTI, Snorkel, Squrt, and TeleSqurt vehicles were left in the lurch; no one would be able to service their apparatus with parts and dealer support on a regular basis.

However, this all changed in June 2014 when Smeal announced that it acquired the assets of LTI, including LTI ladders, platforms, and tractor-drawn aerials; Squrt and TeleSqurt boom ladders; and Snorkel® articulating aerial platforms. This acquisition enhanced Smeal’s product offering to the fire service.

Around the same time, Chief Bob Painter of the Medina (OH) Fire Department was looking to improve his department’s fleet. “Over the past six years, we had begun to replace our current fleet. Even though we try to shoot for a 20-year replacement program, the maintenance on our previous rigs was poor, and we were in the process of replacing some of our 12- to 15-year-old apparatus. So we started planning and writing specs on a new apparatus,” says Painter.

Reteaming with Smeal

The department already had a Smeal 105 quint and a new pumper, and the vehicles had provided great operation and service, so working with Smeal again and its local dealer Fire Safety Services (FSS) was a no-brainer. The department took about three months to work on the specs and to explore options. It decided to go with a 65-foot TeleSqurt. “The fact that Smeal was now going to build and service this type of vehicle was paramount to us,” Painter says. “Our department liked the fact that we could have a small wheelbase pumper with a rescue ladder as well. We also liked the fact that one firefighter could operate and set up the ladder from the rear with a small joystick and short jacks. It also has a prepiped waterway.”

Personnel eventually made two visits to the Smeal factory in Nebraska and met extensively with Smeal’s engineers. They made a few small changes in some of the drop-down steps and a revised pump panel so the operator could see the ladder being bedded.

Vehicle Specs

The vehicle is set up with a normal complement of engine company tools as well as truck company tools, saws, blowers, and hand tools. It is also set up with hydraulic rescue tools. The vehicle carries 1,000 feet of four-inch supply line, 1,000 feet of 2½-inch line, and 800 feet of 1¾-inch hose with low-pressure nozzles. “We carry two dead loads of 1¾-inch, two preconnected 1¾-inch attack lines, and a blitz nozzle off the rear,” Painter says.

The rig has two A-frame-style stabilizers in front of and behind the axles that lock them into an operating position. It also has dual-side mounted waterways to minimize risk during firefighting operations. “What we also liked was that the vehicle has an 11-foot, nine-inch stabilizer spread that allows us to set up in narrow streets, alleys, and cul-de-sacs,” Painter adds.

The rear control station allows the operator to control the boom and monitor controls, high idle, boom lighting, and pump operations as well.

The boom itself can be elevated vertically from 10 degrees below horizontal to 85 degrees above.

The department selected the V-Mux electrical system, which is built by Akron Brass.

“The local dealer, FSS, located in Huntsville, Ohio, worked with us on the whole project and provided us with great service during and after the sale,” Painter adds.

Multipurpose Planning

If you are looking for a small wheelbase pumper with aerial capability, this might be the way to go for your department-especially in bedroom communities. With aerials and platforms sometimes reaching a cost of a million-plus dollars, if you don’t necessarily need a higher reach or want to supplement a full-size aerial, this is probably your best bet.

The Medina Fire Department was proactive in its design of this vehicle, making it dual purpose-carrying engine, truck, and rescue tools. It also is able to operate in tighter spaces and has a small stabilizer footprint as well.

Plan accordingly if your department is looking to replace an older vehicle. As most departments these days are doing, build a multipurpose rig to meet the budget needs of your department and community.

Medina Fire District

The Medina (OH) Fire Department and the City of Medina are located 33 miles south of Cleveland. The Medina Fire Department provides fire, rescue, and medical first responder service to the City of Medina and Montville Township. This is provided by a staff of 40 firefighters and officers. It is a volunteer, paid on-call department, with the exception of the chief, fire marshal, and operations captain, who are full-time paid. Members respond out of four stations and staff seven primary pieces of fire apparatus. Apparatus consists of four engines, two trucks, a heavy rescue, and several support vehicles.

The response district covers 32.3 square miles, with a population of approximately 34,000, which swells to 50,000 during the daytime hours. The response area consists of 12 schools, a large industrial area, two major hospitals, eight miles of railroads, and several major thoroughfares.

The department responds to roughly 1,000 fire calls per year.

TeleSqurt Telescoping Aerial Boom Specs

This new 65-foot TeleSqurt telescoping aerial boom features a three-section extruded aluminum box boom, which provides excellent vertical and horizontal reach with a short bedded length, short wheelbase, minimum front overhang, and high degree of maneuverability. V-Mux, QL-12 multiplex electrical system, electric-over-hydraulic joystick control, and LED lighting were standard. This TeleSqurt is equipped with a 1,500-gpm Waterous CMXC20 pump and a 750-gallon water tank and is capable of flowing 1,000 gpm at the tip. Fold-down handrails provide for a low overall travel height of 11 feet, nine inches to accommodate low station doors, aqueducts, and bridges. It features a Smealâ„¢ Sirius® chassis with a 199-inch wheelbase.