Teamwork and training are essential to the fire service, proficiency in tactics are vital to successful safe fire ground operations. With the introduction of computer programs and simulators, the evolution of training tools has been vastly improved with new technology. The Mobile Training Tower (MTT) addresses very basic needs for firefighter training and safety because of its versatility. While cyber training has its place in the fire service, no one can argue that hands-on training is by far the best way to learn and retain the knowledge, as well as, experience needed. Proficiency provides confidence so that firefighters can safely perform tasks necessary to get the job done.
The MTT provides hands-on opportunities for training individuals and fire companies. The four-story portable tower is limited only by the training officer's imagination to create scenarios. Beginning with positioning apparatus, smoke conditions are visible from the outside.
An FDC is located on the side and supplies water to sprinklers and standpipes to all upper floors. The trailer itself holds 1.200 gallons of water and is fitted with a hydrant connection of your choice for drafting. The entire frame of the tower is hot-dip galvanized including the inside of the steel tubing framework to ensure an incredibly long life in any environment.
Windows on floors 2, 3 and 4 are provided for ground ladder access. The entry door includes real-life forcible entry training. A smoke generator provides smoke-out conditions through a ducting system which can be directed to any or all floors.
Instructor-controlled fire sprinklers are located throughout the structure. The windows open to the inside and have secure latches when open or closed; and, are also split horizontally so the bottom portion can be secured for improved safety while other operations are underway. The 48-foot height is a big plus for tower truck placement and elevated rescue considerations. The tower can accommodate training with any length of ground ladder.
Rappelling anchor points are provided on each upper floor, as well as, belay hooks for safety lines on each corner at ground level. This provides training in self-rescue, firefighter rescue or non-ambulatory patient rescue from stairwells, roof, industrial platforms or windows. The rescue training can be accomplished with ropes, ladders, tower or ladder trucks, or fire companies using the stairwells.
There is also a vertical 24-inch tube to simulate rescues from confined spaces. The grip-strut stair treads provide safe footing for all operations, especially for advancing hose lines in stairwells or physical agility testing. Interior and exterior lighting, as well as, a smoke generator are powered by a generator located on the trailer. The generator also provides power for the hydraulics necessary to raise and lower the tower.
For extended training at one location, shore power connections are provided.
The versatility of the Mobile Training Tower in itself makes this a necessary training tool. But, the ability to move it to any location is its greatest asset. Because it can be moved and set up quickly and easily, there is no need to move the firefighters to the training ground.
Fire companies stay in their first-due area and are available to answer calls, if necessary during training.
There is no longer the need to move firefighters and apparatus to cover fire districts while training. The hands-on approach to training is by far the best way to retain knowledge. It provides proficiency which instills confidence for firefighters, fire companies and their officers.
Fred Joiner, Jr. has been an entrepreneur and fabricator since 1962. He began working with Apopka Fire Department at that time in providing them with fire equipment before its time. He started Mobile Training Towers in 2004. With years of fabrication experience Fred had the opportunity to build a Mobile Training Tower for Apopka Fire Department and it was a “natural fit”.
Today Fred, his son Tripp Joiner and Greg Roberson, his right hand for 22 years, continue their visionary efforts to assist all fire departments with training tools for quality training and foremost, their safety. Tripp, a Mechanical Engineer and Greg, a Master Fabricator have been working with Fred to update not only the safety and function of the MTT; but, also designing and currently building a 3-story MTT that can be pulled with a dually pickup.
For more information please visit www.mobiletrainingtowers.com .
