
By Bill Adkins
Many fire departments are known for taking great care of their apparatus and Loveland-Symmes is no exception. Over the years even the best care can take a toll on fire and EMS vehicles. As a mechanic, I can tell you that automobile engines are not designed to start and go in a moment’s notice without the proper warm-up. In the fire and EMS world, we don’t have the ability to wait for that warm-up. Because of this vehicle replacement is a never ending cycle.
When Loveland-Symmes Fire Department decided it was time to replace its battalion car due to miles and general wear and tear they looked at options between buying a completely new unit versus a refurbished one. LSFD operated with a 2013 Ford F350 standard cab with an aluminum rear box for equipment storage. The battalion officers noted that the standard cab was cramped and didn’t have much space for command equipment and left no space to store a drug bag during inclement weather. Because of this, LSFD knew the next vehicle should be an extended cab or crew cab.
There was an inspection to determine if the aluminum box would meet the standard and last for the duration of the next vehicle. It was determined that the rear aluminum box was in excellent shape and little to no modifications would be needed. This would save thousands of dollars by not needing to fabricate a new box. The battalion car was maintained so well that even the roll up doors were not in need of replacement. That inspection resulted in the decision to have the truck refurbished instead of building a completely new unit.
Battalion 62
The new chassis for Battalion 62 is a 2022 Chevrolet 3500 crew cab with a 6.6-liter gasoline engine. LSFD went with the gas engine because crews didn’t see the need for the added torque a diesel engine gives and the gas engine is more cost effective in daily operations and yearly maintenance needs.
With a new chassis picked out, it was time to decide on a lighting and siren package. LSFD had Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder work on that project. Loveland-Symmes covers two major highways in the Cincinnati area. With a national rise in accidents involving fire and EMS apparatus on highways Chief of Department Otto Huber and Chief Goldfeder wanted to make certain they did all they could to make Battalion 62 visible to oncoming traffic.
Starting off the package is a Whelen 54″ Duo Liberty (red/Clear) light bar. This light bar has an unlimited amount of flash patterns and has the ability to become all red or all clear (for scene lights). The rear lighting is complemented with Whelen RotaBeams (Red/Amber). Grill lights consist of six Whelen Duo IONS (red/white). Battalion 62 lighting is topped off with a Whelen Arges spotlight. The Arges has remote control option to assist with finding street addresses at night.
This light package is controlled by a Whelen CenCom Carbide siren/controller. This comes highly recommended by Whelen when an Arges spot light is installed. When the Arges spot light is paired with the Whelen CenCom controller it will allow for a sweeping feature. The sweeping feature really draws attention to oncoming traffic. This Arges proves to be effective when coming up behind vehicles as well.
Battalion 62’s equipment consists of incident command worksheets, accountability boards, ALS drugs and equipment, a cardiac monitor, portable lights, active shooter kits, little giant ladders, floor dry, SCBA’s, gas monitors, rapid intervention equipment, stokes basket, extra radio batteries, and a combination tool. Battalion 62 responds to all fire incidents along with medical calls deemed necessary in the Loveland-Symmes jurisdiction.
The newly refurbished Battalion 62 vehicle has been in service for six months and most cannot tell if it was refurbished or a new apparatus. This goes to show that if you take care of your apparatus a simple refurbish can save your community thousands of dollars and still have the flair and technology of a brand new vehicle. Loveland-Symmes Fire Department is expecting Battalion 62 to respond to the community’s needs for years to come.
Check out this short video of the Whelen Arges with sweeping feature.