Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur complete their discussion on ladder company apparatus by reviewing inherent advantages of each type of aerial device and whether the aerial is midship or rear mounted.
Tower 244, operated by the Oceanside, NY, Fire Department, shows the size and available compartment space that can be acquired on a non-quint aerial tower. Note the overhang of the platform basket over the windshield. This department also operates a Pierce rear-mount aerial ladder to complement its apparatus fleet.
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, 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.
