The Apparatus Architects: Apparatus Backing Concerns and Response Policies
The Apparatus Architects look at a number of topics this month and their guest, a Los Angeles Fire Department Captain, talks about the LAFD's operations and apparatus assignments.
Michael Wilbur and Tom Shand start the show, recorded at Firehouse World in San Diego, with two listener questions. Shand asssists a firefighter looking to add safety doors to an open cab apparatus. Wilbur offers advice to a assistant chief who is looking for response policies for carbon monoxide alarms. They also discuss the the use of lights and sirens when a company is dispatched to fill-in or move-up to another fire station.
Los Angeles Fire Captain Chris Oelrich joins the Apparatus Architects to discuss the differences between LAFD's light force and task force assignments. Listen as Captain Oelrich explains the differences between engineer and apparatus operator roles.
Captain Oelrich's brother Curt also joins this podcast as they discuss a device they created following the 2004 line-of-duty-death of Los Angeles Firefighter Jaime L. Foster. She was killed when she was backed over by a pumper. Curt and Chris share the story of the Reverse Control device they created after Captain Captain Oelrich's company was assigned to cover Firefighter Foster's station following her death.
The Apparatus Architects discuss the dangers of backing up apparatus and how often firefighters are injured or killed during backing incidents.
This podcast was recorded at Firehouse World in San Diego.
Please send any comments, questions or suggestions to [email protected].
About the Author
Tom Shand
TOM SHAND, who is a Firehouse contributing editor, is a 36-year veteran of the fire service. He works with Michael Wilbur at Emergency Vehicle Response, consulting on a variety of fire apparatus and fire department master-planning issues. Shand is a member of the Firehouse Hall of Fame.
Michael Wilbur
MICHAEL WILBUR, who is a Firehouse contributing editor, retired as a lieutenant in FDNY, where he was last assigned to Ladder Company 27 in the Bronx. He has served on FDNY's Apparatus Purchasing Committee and consults on a variety of apparatus-related issues around the country. Wilbur is a member of the Firehouse Hall of Fame. For further information, access his website at www.emergencyvehicleresponse.com.