Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department, Md.,put in service attack Engine 31, one of three new Rosenbauer apparatus the department purchased. Engine 31, a first due pumper, is built on a Commander R711 cab and chassis, powered by an Cummins 450 hp engine and an Allison 3000EVS transmission.
The unit is housed at the Solomons main station and is primarily used in first due hydrant area. The apparatus designated as Engine 31 has been a first due pumper for many years and its primary use is offensive and defensive operations on the firegrounds.
The new Engine 31 and its companion tanker and rescue, are the first Rosenbauer apparatus in Calvert County. They also sport a new color scheme, black over red when historically, the apparatus have been white over red.
To fight fire, the engine has a Hale 1,500 gpm pump and a 1,000-gallon water tank. Additional features include a complete Whelen LED light package, front and rear intakes, 200 feet of 1.75-inch preconnect in the front bumper, 12-volt LED scene lights.
All compartments are lined with LED lights. The new engine also has a new layout design that helps firefighters focus more on operations being performed than how to work with the apparatus.
