BY William C. Peters
Once again, the City of Indianapolis rolled out the red carpet and welcomed more than 27,000 firefighters seeking to learn more about their chosen profession. In addition to all of the classroom and Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) knowledge they acquired, the attendees were also interested in increasing their understanding of the latest and greatest apparatus and equipment innovations. It seemed like the dozens of acquaintances I encountered all asked the same question: “What’s new with apparatus?”
The apparatus and equipment suppliers all worked hard over the winter and know that the FDIC is the premier show to unveil the fruits of their labor. It was evident by the acres of exhibits both in the convention center and in Lucas Oil Stadium that they had plenty to show (photo 1).
 (1) An impressive number of apparatus were on display in the new Lucas Oil Stadium. (Photos by author.) |
This was the first year that Lucas Oil Stadium was ready for use; the RCA Dome was a pile of rubble being removed by dump trucks. I really didn’t miss the annual challenge of being pushed through the revolving air-lock door at the old dome by about a thousand eager firefighters waiting to see what’s new!
THIS YEAR’S LINEUP
Apparently the recession that the country is experiencing is affecting the apparatus industry as well as the general public. One common theme I saw from most of the manufacturers was the display of entry-level and “program” apparatus. Program apparatus are rigs that are lower in cost than their counterpart customs because they offer somewhat limited, pre-engineered options and features. Quite often the engine horsepower and vehicle-weight-carrying capacity are limited but always adequate for a standard, run-of-the-mill apparatus.
One apparatus vendor asked me, “When is the American fire service going to realize that they don’t need that huge machine, with all of the options and features, to deliver the services that their community needs?” Another very knowledgeable person in the industry pointed out that probably 90 percent of most calls the fire department receives involve emergency medical services (EMS) calls, vehicle extrications, and “smells and bells” alarm investigations. And even when they have a working fire, most departments don’t have the staffing to fully use the vast capabilities of a 2,000-gpm pumper with tons of hose and equipment. He reminded me that, when the chief calls for help, “those guys” will be bringing their machines and equipment to the fire as well!
All of the manufacturers are happy to supply the customer with the biggest, best, and most advanced apparatus available. The question is: When will the community stop funding those purchases?
Following is a brief summary of some of the products on display. None of my comments are meant to imply an endorsement of any kind; these are just some of the products that are new or that I found interesting.
PIERCE MANUFACTURING
As we have come to expect each year, Pierce “unveils” a new product with all of the fanfare of a Broadway show opening! This year, it was the Pierce all-aluminum, 100-foot platform apparatus (photo 2). From the features incorporated, it appears that a lot of thought and firefighter input went into its development. The rear-mounted turntable allows the aerial to be used 11.5° below grade for up to 235° of rotation. This is a real plus for some low-level rescue applications. In addition, you can set the platform down to the ground without having to extend the ladder. The waterway is side-mounted next to the aerial to prevent damage and to allow closer maneuvering when approaching the roof line. The truck’s stability is provided by four out-and-down outriggers with a maximum 15-foot, six-inch spread.
 (2) Pierce unveiled its 100-foot all-aluminum aerial platform. |
A pumper from the Contender Responder Stock Apparatus Program was displayed. These economy, no-nonsense units are provided on either Freightliner or International chassis and feature an aluminum body; a 1,250-gpm PTO pump; a 750- to 1,250-gallon poly tank; and a two- or four-door cab with seating for three to five firefighters. Options such as various lighting packages, monitors, and booster reels are all available. Pricing begins at just under $200,000 (photo 3).
 (3) The Pierce Contender Responder Stock Apparatus. |
The display field outside Lucas Oil Stadium had several live demonstrations, one of which was the Pierce Changeable Response Unit (CRU). It is an extended cab Chevy 1500 pickup truck that has a mechanism to hoist various different self-contained units into the bed. This is a miniature takeoff on the POD concept where containerized firefighting modules of hose, haz-mat material, and rescue cribbing could be loaded on a “trash truck”-type chassis and delivered to the scene depending on the type of incident, thus increasing capabilities while reducing the number of vehicles needed. Of the two units being displayed, one held a Darley self-contained, skid-mounted pumping unit; the other was a mini-rescue body, complete with an electronic sign board (photo 4).
EMERGENCY ONE
Emergency One has made some improvements to the single-axle quint concept with the introduction of the HP 78. It features an all-aluminum, 78-foot aerial with a 750-pound tip load, a 500-gallon water tank, and a 1,500-gpm Hale Q-Max pump. The aerial fly section is more than 25 inches wide, to allow for a Stokes basket. A 55-cubic-foot hosebed and room for a full aerial complement of 115 feet of ground ladders are provided. It has a 16-foot jack spread and capabilities for short-jacking when necessary (photo 5).
 (5) Emergency One displayed its new 78-foot aluminum aerial with 750-pound tip load. |
Another improved unit on display was the Hush Mid-Engine Rear Mount Pumper. The Cummins 450-hp engine is contained in a mid-mount enclosure, and the Hale 1,500-gpm pump is mounted in the rear, which results in a spacious, quiet riding compartment in the cab (photo 6).
 (6) The E-One Hush mid-engine unit for Glendale showed many improved features. |
The E-One Water Master Vacuum Tanker was demonstrated at the outdoor display area. The unit on display had a 3,500-gallon aluminum vacuum tank. Using a 460-cfm vacuum pump, the unit could self-fill 3,500 gallons in 21⁄2 minutes through one six-inch suction hose and could offload using a pressurized system in two minutes. An optional PTO fire pump (up to 1,000 gpm) and various other firefighting accessories can be added (photo 7).
 (7) Another outdoor display was the E-One Water Master. This vacuum tanker can self-load its 3,500-gallon tank in 21⁄2 minutes and unload in an amazing two minutes. |
FERRARA
To keep up with the entry-level market, Ferrara Fire Apparatus introduced the Ember custom chassis, which sells in the $250,000 range. The unit features a fully crash-tested 3⁄16-inch aluminum cab, engine selection up to 425 horsepower, and single or tandem rear axle (photo 8).
 (8) Ferrara’s new Ember chassis is an entry-level custom chassis. |
On the other end of the spectrum is the Ferrara MVP (Multi-Vocational Pumper). This unit is a fully compliant pumper, with a Hale 90-gpm PTO pump for pump-and-roll capabilities in addition to a 2,000-gpm Hale Q-Max fire pump. The truck on display had a short 183-inch wheelbase and an incredible 420 feet of compartment space as well as a 500-gallon water tank with foam cell and CAFS foam system. Low-mounted speedlays and a backboard compartment were in the center of the truck. The huge compartments, both on the sides and on top, held hydraulic and manual rescue tools, high-angle rope equipment, haz-mat equipment, and water rescue gear as well as all of the hose, nozzles, ladders, and hand tools required to be on a pumper. A portable winch was stored in the front bumper compartment along with a 13⁄4-inch jump line (photo 9).
 (9) The Ferrara MVP (Multi-Vocational Pumper) is a combination pumper and rescue truck that has all the best features of both. |
As one person put it, he didn’t know if it was a rescue truck that wanted to be a pumper or a pumper that thought it was a rescue truck! In either case, this was truly a multivocational, do-everything kind of unit (photo 10).
 (10) An incredible amount of pumper and rescue equipment is carried on the Ferrara MVP. |
HME AHRENS-FOX
HME Ahrens-Fox displayed an initial attack engine designed in conjunction with Cal Fire, which has ordered 78 units. It featured a 500-gpm, two-stage Darley PTO pump for stationary operations and a diesel-powered auxiliary pump for pump-and-roll operations. A stainless-steel body, 500-gallon poly water tank, and class A foam system are just some of the features (photo 11).
 (11) Cal Fire’s initial attack unit by HME Ahrens-Fox. |
The company’s entry-level custom pumper, selling for $298,000, was packed with features that many fire departments would find extremely desirable. In keeping with the rescue/EMS theme, the stainless-steel rescue body had large compartments for hydraulic rescue tool storage, backboard, and stokes storage as well as heavy-duty pullout trays to make the equipment accessible (photo 12).
 (12) A short wheelbase and tight turning radius make this HME Ahrens-Fox rescue pumper very desirable. |
For firefighting duties, the unit was equipped with a 750-gpm single-stage pump, a 450-gallon water tank, a class A foam system, and an 8-kw generator. The company says that with the short wheelbase and 52° cramp (turning) angle, the unit has greater maneuverability than a larger SUV chief’s vehicle.
SUTPHEN
A five-section, 100-foot Sutphen huck-bolted aluminum aerial was on display. This unit, without a fire pump, was on a single axle and had large, deep compartments for equipment storage. The aerial is designed to be more than five inches wider (photo 13).
 (13) This Sutphen 100-foot aerial on a single-axle chassis had a full complement of ground ladders and large, open compartments. |
Like many of the other manufacturers, Sutphen’s four-door International pumper tanker had a 1,250-gpm pump and a 1,200-gallon L-shaped water tank and sold for around $200,000.
Another interesting unit had a Sutphen Mechanically Independent Ladder Element (S.M.I.L.E.) ladder rack on a Shield series pumper. The ladders are mounted over the right side compartments, allowing for full-height and full-depth compartments. One firefighter can release the ladders and slide them to the rear manually using a connecting strap.
ROSENBAUER
Rosenbauer displayed a very compact European pumper on a Mercedes-Benz chassis. The unit was a typical four-door model, but the entry steps were unique, opening outward with the door. This unit had a 750-gpm pump, a foam system, a 1,000-gallon water tank, an 8-kw generator, and lots of European mounting solutions. The apparatus would need to be modified with a standard hosebed (rather than the donut rolls used in Europe) if sold in America, but it was a very compact and economical unit (photo 14).
 (14) Rosenbauer displayed a very compact European-style pumper. Notice the wide, lower crew cab steps that open automatically with the door. |
Another unique Rosenbauer invention—a swing-down, side-mounted hosebed—was on display mounted on an aerial truck. Rather than have members trying to lift the hose up and pack it in a standard hosebed over the side sheets, the bed lowers hydraulically to ground level, which is much safer and more efficient (photo 15).
 (15) This hydraulically operated hosebed on a Rosenbauer aerial will make packing large-diameter hose easier and safer. |
KME
A big, modern-looking Force-1500 model crash fire rescue (CFR) unit from KME was on display. The redesigned unit is available with a single rear axle, tandem, or 8 × 8 series. The Plastisol composite cab and body reduced the vehicle weight by 20 percent, allowing additional carrying capacity for water and foam (photo 16).
 (16) KME displayed the Force-1500 crash truck. The lighter composite cab and body allow departments to carry additional foam and water. |
The KME Legacy series of pumpers and tankers will be available in two months and feature a 1,250-gpm pump, a 1,000-gallon water tank, and a foam system in the $165,000 to $180,000 range. Units can be purchased in two- or four-door models.
On display was a Challenger model pumper that could be considered entry level in the low $200,000 range.
PLASTISOL
Plastisol Composites had a rescue body on a commercial chassis on display this year. The highly durable composite bodies are custom made to the customer’s requirements. Plastisol manufactures bodies from glass-fiber reinforced polyester (GRP). This composite material is produced using a vacuum-injection process in which resin is injected into the glass fibers. Following curing, it results in an extremely strong “sandwich construction” that can then be painted in any color. Plastisol bodies can incorporate the water tank as part of the body (photo 17).
 (17) This Plastisol composite body is molded to the customer’s requirements and can be shaped into any configuration in which metal bodies are made. |
CRIMSON FIRE
Crimson Fire introduced its Legend Series. The unit on display had a 1,250-gpm pump on an International Dura Star four-door cab and was available for $169,000 (photo 18). A custom pumper that Crimson made for Montgomery County, MD, had a unique fold-down ladder on the right-side pump panel for easy, safe access to the storage area on top. All too often, firefighters place themselves in danger climbing small folding steps to reach this area to retrieve equipment or to operate the deck gun (photo 19).
 (18) A Crimson Fire Legend series economy pumper. |
 (19) A unique fold-down ladder allows safer access to the top of this pumper. |
SUMMIT FIRE APPARATUS
Summit Fire Apparatus displayed a huge industrial pumper with lots of special features. The “Dragonslayer” has a 3,000-gpm Hale pump, a 1,000-gallon fiberglass foam tank, and a Foam-Pro foam system capable of metering foam concentrate individually to each discharge. A slide-out elevated pump operator’s platform with guard rail is mounted at the left rear corner of the apparatus. From this position, the operator can observe the 5,000-gpm Akron monitor located at the right rear as well as all of the discharges at the rear of the apparatus and the elevated tower. A “Hydro-Sword” midship-mounted articulating-telescoping aerial water/foam tower is operated by radio-controlled radio transmitter/receiver. The unit has four three-inch discharges, four four-inch discharges, and one six-inch discharge. A 15-kw diesel generator powers six quartz lights as well as a light tower (photo 20).
 (20) Summit Fire Apparatus displayed the “Dragonslayer.” The slide-out pump operator’s platform allows for viewing in all directions. |
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AMERICAN La FRANCE
American LaFrance had three rigs on display in its booth, but since it just announced this week that it is closing plants in Pennsylvania and New York and consolidating all operations to its South Carolina headquarters, no one quite knows what the company’s future looks like at this time.
SPARTAN CHASSIS
Spartan Chassis displayed a new 24,000-pound rated air spring front suspension. Spartan partnered with Reyco to develop an independent front suspension specifically for the fire service. The 24K IFS uses air springs in conjunction with upper and lower control arms to provide enhanced ride and handling performance on heavier fire apparatus. The turning angle, depending on axle capacity and tire size, is from 42° to an impressive 55° (photo 21).
 (21) The new Spartan chassis 24,000-pound independent front suspension axle using air springs. |
CUSTOM FIRE
Custom Fire had its Full Response Cab on display. This modular, self-contained unit can be added to any commercial chassis and contains a climate-controlled soundproof riding compartment, an interior pump panel, low speedlay hosebeds, and a fire pump. The company says this configuration is priced approximately $50,000 less than a custom pumper (photo 22).
 (22) Custom Fire’s modular Full Response Cab. |
DARLEY
You can always count on Darley to bring new technology to the FDIC! This year, Darley had two low-cost compressed-air foam systems (CAFS) for the fire service. One was the economical AutoCAFS model, which incorporates the HM500 pump and an integrated belt-driven 70-cfm continuously engaged air compressor that does not require a clutch. This unit provides all of the desirable CAFS features while lowering the cost.
The other new entry is the Odin Mongoose 70/35. This self-contained CAFS unit is driven by a 28-hp gasoline engine and can deliver compressed air foam at 150 gpm and 40 cubic feet per minute at 100 psi (photo 23).
 (23) Darley’s self-contained CAFS unit. |
Last year, Darley unveiled the PuriFire System that produces filtered, purified potable drinking water. This year the company displayed the PuriFire system integrated into a Darley skid-mounted unit. This three-stage unit can produce 10 gpm of pure, clean drinking water during a natural disaster.
AROUND THE SHOW
Both Bauer and Scott had trailer-mounted self-contained breathing air compressor units. Each unit had an engine-driven air compressor, an air-purification system, holding cylinders, and a two-position containment/fill station. This could be the ideal solution for a department that requires on-scene self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) filling but cannot afford a dedicated vehicle for that purpose (photos 24 and 25).
 (24) Bauer’s self-contained SCBA compressor fill trailer. |
 (25) Scott’s self-contained SCBA compressor fill trailer. |
Compliant mounting of SCBA in cab seats always presents a challenge. Various designs of pull cords, cables, and handles are available, but many firefighters find it difficult to locate and operate these systems with bunker gear and gloves on.
Two new solutions for this problem were on display this year. H.O. Bostrom, a well-known seat manufacturer, displayed its “Secure All” SCBA locking system. The tank is inserted into the seat back, and the top is contained by a spring loaded cap. The release for the holding device is at the center of the bottom seat cushion. Pulling on the easily accessible yellow handle releases the SCBA instantly (photo 26).
 (26) The Bostrom “Secure All” SCBA seat with locking device. The yellow handle in the center of the seat cushion releases the bracket. |
ZICO (Ziamatic Corp) has manufactured SCBA brackets for the fire service for many years. The latest compliant bracket is truly “hands free.” Similar to the previous bracket described, a spring-loaded cap-like device captures the top of the SCBA cylinder, holding it securely in the seat. The release for the holding device is controlled by a 12-volt source such as the apparatus parking brake circuit. When the apparatus arrives on-scene and the parking brake is applied, the electrical circuit is complete, allowing the holding device to be released. When slight pressure is pulled on the SCBA (such as a firefighter moving from the seat), the holding device pops up and the cylinder is released. A mechanical override is provided in case of an electrical failure (photo 27).
 (27) Zico’s electrically operated SCBA seat bracket. Applying the parking brake powers the release mechanism, allowing the SCBA to be pulled from the bracket. |
Both of these designs are improvements over some of the past models.
At the outside demonstrations, spectators were amazed at the swift cutting ability of the PyroLance cutting tool. A mockup using a cement patio-style panel simulated entry through a concrete wall or roof deck. The operator, in full protective clothing and face shield, places the lance against the work and operates the trigger. The high-pressure pump delivers a combination of high-velocity water and abrasive aggregate at 4,400 psi, which quickly punches a pea-size hole in almost any material. When the hole is made, a second trigger sprays a very fine water spray into the heated atmosphere for quick fire knockdown (photo 28). What an interesting concept!
 (28) The PyroLance cutting tool uses a high-pressure water stream with abrasive aggregate particles to cut through concrete walls. |
Most warning lights, as well as some scene lights, on the apparatus that were on display were of the light-emitting diode (LED) type. LED lights have low power consumption and high-duty life characteristics. Fire Research Corp. had a new LED scene light that mounted flat to the surface of the vehicle and had a specially designed lens to direct the light straight down next to the apparatus as well as straight out onto the scene (photo 29).
 (29) Fire Research’s directional LED scene light. |
Seagrave had a unique method of mounting Federal Visi-Beam remote-controlled spotlights. Custom brackets were mounted on the front of the apparatus at the lower corners of the windshield, allowing a full sweep without obstructions (photo 30).
 (30) Seagrave’s mounted remote-control spotlights on the lower corners of the cab. |
Many of the apparatus on display incorporated LED compartment lighting. Using strip lighting allows the shelves and trays to be placed in any configuration without obstructing the lighting source. As mentioned earlier, LEDs have the added benefit of lower power consumption when compartments are left open at a fire scene (photo 31).
 (31) Many apparatus on display had LED strip lighting in the compartments. |
This was just a sampling of the many manufacturers of apparatus and equipment that displayed their wares. The FDIC is truly the premier apparatus showcase of the year!
WILLIAM C. PETERS retired after 28 years with the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department, having served the past 17 years as battalion chief/supervisor of apparatus. He served as a voting member of the NFPA 1901 apparatus committee for several years and is the author of Fire Apparatus Purchasing Handbook (Fire Engineering, 1994), the apparatus chapters in The Fire Chief’s Handbook, and numerous apparatus-related articles. He is a member of the Fire Engineering editorial advisory board and of the FDIC executive advisory board.