iBerkshires.com Columnist SectionSue Bush
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Firefighters Train With New TruckBy Susan Bush
12:00AM / Wednesday, March 01, 2006
 | | City firefighters used hands-on training to familiarize themselves with the functions and operations of a new fire truck. |
North Adams - The city fire department improved its' fleet of fire trucks with a 2005 Smeal pumper earlier this year and on March 1, firefighters spent several hours learning the ins and outs of operating the truck.
New England Fire Apparatus and Equipment truck expert Larry Finnegan traveled to the fire station and delivered verbal and hands-on training that occurred within fire house walls as well as outdoors in temperatures that didn't quite reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Larry Finnegan delivered instructions about the new truck. |
The windy, cold weather did not put a chill on firefighter enthusiasm; Finnegan was almost constantly surrounded by the firefighters, who asked questions, listened to presentations, and explored and examined the vehicle.
Finnegan's instruction seminar included operation of an exterior control panel outfitted with a host of gauges and lights, truck cab components, hose operation, siren and light activation, and an "under the hood" exploration.
The pumper was built on a HME 1871 cab and chassis. A 500 horsepower Cummins engine powers the truck and highlights include a 1500 gallon-per-minute Waterous pump, a 750-gallon tank, a FoamPro proportioning system with class A and B foam tanks, an 8000-watt hydraulic generator, a hydraulic ladder rack and a 250-foot electric cord reel.
The truck will replace a 1974 Maxim pumper.
The truck cost $350,000, said city Fire Director Stephen Meranti. A $200,000 community development grant was used to help finance the vehicle and the city paid the remaining costs, Meranti said.
The truck is considered as state-of-the-art equipment and in addition to its' pumping capabilities, the truck has an increased amount of compartment space. The added space means that there is room for additional firefighting equipment to be carried, including an extracation tool commonly known as the "jaws of life." The tool is most often used to cut through vehicle doors or roofs during accident rescues.
The seminar included truck cab operations. Many truck functions are controlled from the cab. |
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