The Apparatus Architect: Part 19

Created: July 1, 2004

Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur discuss the type of aerial device your department will acquire after it has carefully assessed the operational characteristics of each piece of aerial apparatus and how its use may benefit your department.

Photo by Tom Shand

The Union Fire Company of Carlisle, PA, operates this 2003 KME 75-foot ladder apparatus, which is equipped with five pre- connected attack lines with a 48-inch-wide pump enclosure. Four 1.75-inch...
The Union Fire Company of Carlisle, PA, operates this 2003 KME 75-foot ladder apparatus, which is equipped with five pre- connected attack lines with a 48-inch-wide pump enclosure. Four 1.75-inch attack lines with both 200-foot and 300-foot lengths and one 200-foot 2.5-inch attack line are carried.
Photo by Tom Shand

Engine 241, operated by the Union Fire Company, carries 1,300 feet of five-inch supply line, a 200-foot three-inch blitz line and 400 feet of three-inch spare hose. Note the low-height hosebed and...
Engine 241, operated by the Union Fire Company, carries 1,300 feet of five-inch supply line, a 200-foot three-inch blitz line and 400 feet of three-inch spare hose. Note the low-height hosebed and rear step arrangement.
Photo by Tom Shand

Waldorf, MD, Truck 3 is equipped with 11 different ground ladders totaling 260 feet. Longer bodies are required to carry two-section 28-foot and 35-foot extension ladders.
Waldorf, MD, Truck 3 is equipped with 11 different ground ladders totaling 260 feet. Longer bodies are required to carry two-section 28-foot and 35-foot extension ladders.

In the last installment of The Apparatus Architect, we discussed some of the concepts and procedures that your truck committee should consider when evaluating aerial devices that can be demonstrated in your community. Having first-hand knowledge of your response area should allow the committee to carefully assess the operational characteristics of each piece of aerial apparatus and how its use may benefit your department. Now that you have seen at least several different manufacturers

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