Editorial: Full Speed Ahead

Nov. 1, 1997
With November being our annual "Apparatus Showcase" issue, I thought I would include an update on the fire apparatus world. In recent months, the fire apparatus industry has created quite a whirlwind. Several larger companies have purchased smaller apparatus manufacturers. Pierce was acquired by Oshkosh. Freightliner, which purchased American LaFrance, delivered its first new pumper. The company has also formed a partnership with Aerial Inno-vations. KME purchased the assets of Walter Truck Corp. Spartan acquired Luverne, Quality and Smeal. Emergency One has unveiled a Concept 2000 vehicle with many new state-of-the-art features. Pierce has introduced a new Dash 2000 chassis, a concept vehicle for the future that is smaller and more maneuverable to fit the multi-function of fire and EMS. Pierce has also introduced a new off-road unit. Apparently, other deals are in the works to put manufacturers in a better competitive edge in today's ever-changing fire apparatus market.

Many large fire departments around the country have recently placed multiple orders for various types of apparatus to replace their aging and worn fleets. Time will tell on future changes but they all seem to be better for the user. These apparatus, whether basic engines, ladders or rescues, with new features brought from the automobile industry, have come a long way from hard-rubber tires, open cabs and backsteps. Another trend seems to be the specialization of equipment to provide many services that fire departments now provide. In this issue we present numerous features on the latest apparatus. The bottom line is that the fire apparatus built today are more user-friendly, safer, tougher built and used for many jobs that our forefathers from the era of leather lungs and wooden hydrants couldn't possibly conceive.

On page 155 we present a preview of a new book, Jakes Under Fire, a photographic essay by Boston Fire Department photographer and "jake" Bill Noonan. Bill has sent us photos for 21 years and we salute him for always being there and helping us out when we called for photos. Also from Boston, on page 160 we present a look at the Vendome Memorial dedication of a monument that was 25 years in the making to remember nine Boston firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty. Executive Editor Jeff Barrington and I flew to Boston in uniform to be a part of the ceremony. A magnificent job was done by all involved. A tip of the helmet.

Fire reports from around the country are included this month. A freight train in Fort Worth, TX, crashed into another train. Fort Worth firefighters dealt with several problems at this devastating crash; see page 126. In Syracuse, NY, a major fire fight involving every on-duty company in the city consumed a major warehouse; see page 110 for "On The Job" coverage. From Pittsburgh we present a report on the lessons learned from a tragic fire; see page 56. It's a story that no firefighter or officer will want to miss.

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