After an extensive process of comparing fire truck features, conducting investigative trips to area fire stations, and assessing various manufacturers, Station 3 has a brand-new rescue pumper truck
“It took us a year to spec out what we wanted,” said Firefighter Kevin Warren, who spearheaded the effort. “The town of Standish has been incredibly supportive of the fire truck.”
Warren talked to four different companies before they selected Emergency One, commonly called E-One, out of Ocala, Florida, to build Standish’s new truck.
The vehicle, which cost the town $359,000, replaces the one owned by the station since 1980. And a lot of fire truck features have been added or redesigned in the past 25 years.
This new rescue pumper is decked out with the latest technology for fighting fires, aiding and protecting firefighters, and assisting in safety and rescue operations.
Although it can also be used to pump water, the truck contains a high-pressure foam system. The foam is mixed with water on the truck and pumped at a rate of 1,250 gallons a minute through the hoses.
Called a CAFES system, which stands for Compressed Air Foam Extinguishing System, it is the “latest technology available today,” according to Chief Martin Jordan.
When using CAFES, firefighters first set up “positive pressure ventilation” in a window, which acts like a fan to blow smoke back away from the entrance. This ventilation enables firefighters to see their way into the building and gives them a better view of the flames.
The foam also extinguishes fire better than water alone. According to Chief Jordan, the foam “encapsulates fire molecules,” depriving the fire of the oxygen required to continue burning.
The homeowner benefits by the use of foam instead of water as well. Water can cause extensive damage to a home, but the foam dissipates after the fire is out, leaving much less damage behind to contend with.
Another important feature of the new truck is the pre-connected Jaws of Life within a compartment that makes up part of the front bumper. With its convenient access, firefighters are able to save valuable minutes in life threatening rescue situations.
The truck also sports light towers and generators that were purchased with a $23,000 grant received from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).
“When all the lights are lit on this truck,” Warren said, “you’re going to have to use sun block it’s so bright.”
The firefighters must go through training to learn all the new features of the truck. The manufacturer will be sending a representative to train the officers who will then train the rest of the department.
But having to wait for training doesn’t stop the firefighters from examining their new toy from top to bottom.
“I talked my wife into not going on vacation for a week so I could play with this,” Warren said.
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