The Hamlin Fire District received an early Christmas present when its new $350,000 pumper arrived on December 13, 2005. The pumper was built by E-One in Florida and its design improves elements of fire personnel safety and community fire protection services over the next 30 years, according to department personnel. Among noteworthy safety features is the remotely-operated deck gun that allows the gun to be used without a firefighter climbing 10 feet to the top of the truck. Another important safety advancement is in the large eight-man cab. This allows five firefighters to “pack-up” with self-contained breathing apparatus enroute to a call and to be ready to advance into a fire as soon as they step out of the truck. This increases the chances of survival for any victims in the fire and decreases the potential for property loss by advancing the fire attack time. The new pumper replaces an engine with a six-man cab with only three air packs. Firemen without air packs had to get “packed-up” after arriving on the scene and by retrieving additional air packs from a side compartment, which delayed the fire attack. The 2,000-gallon per minute pump on the new engine is more powerful and the 1,000-gallon water tank is larger than on the engine it replaces. These features allow a much greater amount of water or foam to be put on any fire more rapidly than previously. The seven color-coded, pre-connected attack lines are all controlled by a state-of-the-art electronic pump governor, which simplifies the task of the pump operator. The new truck is not only better than the 1983 American LaFrance it replaces, but it is also bigger. It’s over 34 feet long and 10 feet high and is powered by a 400 horsepower Cummins diesel engine. Longer lasting light emitting diodes on the new vehicle are more energy efficient than the older conventional bulbs. The retired engine will be sold. The cost of the new truck will be paid through district funds. Since put in service in Hamlin, the new pumper has attracted the attention of personnel from other departments who have looked the vehicle over as a model for their own future needs, according to Hamlin department representatives. Submitted material and staff reports February 26, 2006 |
