By Bill Adams A fact is a verifiable truth; fiction is not. A politically correct way of dodging the truth is to call a statement a fallacy. A fallacy can be defined as a misconception, a myth, sometimes a mistake, even a fairytale and “perhaps it’s something you...
Elkhart (IN) Fire Department Gets SPH 100 Aerial Platform from Sutphen
By Alan M. Petrillo The Elkhart (IN) Fire Department covers the 32-square mile city of Elkhart with 140 paid firefighters working out of seven stations, and running six engines, one quint, one aerial platform, and three ambulances as front-line apparatus. When Elkhart...
NFPA 1901 & FAMA Signs: Sensible or Nonsensical? Part 2
By Bill Adams Part 1 illustrated this writer’s opinion that the requirement for and installation of “warning signs” on fire apparatus could be scrutinized. This part further investigates the whys and wherefores of providing signage. There is no intent to disparage any...
Sutphen Enters the Tractor Drawn Aerial Market
DUBLIN, OHIO – Sutphen Corporation, the largest family-owned fire apparatus manufacturer in the nation, announces the launch of the Sutphen tractor drawn aerial. Adding to Sutphen’s expansive family of aerials, the 131-year-old, family-owned business...
Gallery: Sutphen Rigs Operating At Kenosha (WI) Fire
Shown are Sutphen rigs on scene and operating at a two-alarm fire in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Vestavia Hills (AL) Fire Department Gets Heavy Rescue from Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus
The Vestavia Hills rig is a 2003 Pierce Saber heavy rescue truck with seating for six firefighters, five of whom are in SCBA seats.
Coplay (PA) Fire Department Goes to KME for Rescue-Pumper
By Alan M. Petrillo The Coplay (PA) Fire Department needed to replace a 30-year-old engine and an equally aging rescue truck. But instead of purchasing two new vehicles, it decided to merge their functions...
Tanker Innovations Improve Water Carrying, Vehicle Handling Abilities
By Alan M. Petrillo Tankers (tenders), especially those carrying very large amounts of water, have sometimes been criticized for two major drawbacks: sacrificing compartment space to get to a specified...
Fire Apparatus Rollovers
In this article, we will examine some of the more serious safety issues faced by the fire apparatus operator. By reviewing recent case studies, it is apparent that our first topic should be that of fire apparatus rollovers. Rollovers are a common cause of fire...