Joined: Sept 2003 Gender: Male Posts: 236 Location: Monroeton Pa.
The Rescue Engine « Thread Started on Jul 28, 2008, 2:04am »
This is one type of apparatus that just doesn't seem to die out. With today's economical outlook, more and more departments are trading in the Heavy for a multipurpose rig, hence the Rescue Engine.
I can remember years ago at our Chiefs meetings, the arguements for and against a PR (Pumper/Rescue). Today, this has become a quite common piece of multi-tasked apparatus in our fire service. Even basic engine and truck companies are carrying extrication systems, both for PIA's as well as doubling as a RIT capable apparatus.
Many of our current extrication manufacturer's are making systems that a so adaptable to a combination engine, it is getting harder and harder to justify a full scale Heavy. Situation specific trailers with smaller tow rigs are not the norm, not the specialty.
Years ago, most engine/rescues were basically an extrication piece that got the job started till the Heavy arrived. In todays service, most Heavies are relegated to Squad duties while most Rescue/Engines are equipped to do not only one job, but multiple ones.
When I first got into the Rescue business, this is what I was dealing with:
This was an attack engine that we put a set of spreaders, cutters and three rams on. This was mid-80's and the Heavy chased us on every call.
In the late 90's we changed to another Rescue Engine, this time with the Amkus Ultimate system. Same attack type of engine, with more defined rescue capabilities and enhanced support capabilities in forms of lighting (light tower, fixed and portable, generation units). Now the Heavy and a support engine were not necessarily needed on most rescue job, plus this tripled as an attack engine as well as a RIT piece.
I am not in any form saying the Heavy is becoming a thing of the past. It still has its place in our fire services, although I firmly believe in our vollie system, it is becoming the way of the quad.
On page seven, of Apparatus Across America, Former FDNY Apparatus; it has an image of that truck, a 71 Mack. Formerly FDNY Engine 156. It also shows Engine 32, a 79 Mack which served Engine Co. 90/229.
Joined: Sept 2003 Gender: Male Posts: 236 Location: Monroeton Pa.
Re: The Rescue Engine « Reply #2 on Jul 28, 2008, 1:19pm »
Darin;
Engine 32 (currently E-32-1 and for sale by Progress) also commonly known as the 9th Division Commander, was the first complete rehab that I was involved with. Having never been involved in an extensive rehab, this was a complete eye opener for me personally. We utilized ITE in Hagerstown Md. for the job. This FDNY engine was not the original piece that Progress intended to have refurbed. We had purchased a 1975 CF with the intent to refurb. During the holdover and committee time between purchase and refurb, ITE had approached us about turning in the 1975 piece and them giving us a loaner until another CF could be allocated. The 1975 was to become Dauphin County Rescue 59 with a Ranger body. At the time, ITE was building a FDNY aerialscope with pump for Lower Swatara (59) and this sweetended their pot.
The loaner we received was the 1981 American LaFrance known as the "Tin Man". Progress used this engine (A lafrance in a Mack House) for app. 6 months till 90/229 Engine was accomodated by ITE and rehab was started.
The Tin Man was returned to ITE but not after the Edgemont Fire Company had her eye-balled. Edgemont is part of the Susquehanna Township and thus part of the public safety division. They purchased this engine and had it refurbed as well.
Engine 32 (90/229) was built to be strictly an attack engine that supported Rescue company operations. It was set up with multiple preconnected attack and defensive lines. Its body structure was that of a straight engine company. After the fact we realized we did not make any of the lower compartment bodies deep enough to accomodate the "tooL" should the Bushwacker have gone down. E32 was one of the first engines in central Pa to have a telescoping light tower placed upon it. I was against this add on as cost to me was a factor. That is till I used it one night on a structural fire and when we turned night to day, it more that changed my mind.
I have a good story for you regarding the 1990 CF Mack aerialscope that was the former Tower 32. This was an accidental purchase that put Progress against Kuwait. But again that is another story.
Re: The Rescue Engine « Reply #3 on Aug 1, 2008, 1:39am »
The rescue engine has continued to gain popularity for several reasons, but I suspect that the largest driving force behind it is the lack of personnel. Although the rescue engine is not a "do all" truck if they are specified and designed to fit your needs they can be a invaluable piece of apparatus. The largest advantage of combining the rescue and engine is you now have an engine that carries an increased selection of hand tools and specialty items that are readily available on the fire ground.
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