The Southampton (NY) Fire Department really did its homework before deciding on a new aerial device.
Design a new apparatus purchase not only for the present but for future needs. If you can afford to with your budget, make sure you add compartment space for future tool purchases and additional space for hose.
Many departments can’t always afford more complex or more expensive vehicles. However, some departments, with proper planning and working with a smaller manufacturer’s engineers, can come up with problem-solving options that they can build into a smaller vehicle to operate in their response area.
Over the past several years, the department has been upgrading and adding apparatus as well as adding additional stations to cover its expanding area. As the area grows, so does the department’s need for additional types of specialized apparatus.
The Smithtown Fire Department, located on Long Island in Western Suffolk County, New York, has always been on top of its game as far as apparatus replacement goes. It was decided a few years ago that its older Dodge ice and water rescue unit had become obsolete and needed to be replaced.
For this build, the department decided to go from a single rear axle to a dual rear axle to handle the additional equipment it expected to carry as well as improve braking capability.
The Patchogue Fire Department received a new Pierce Ascendant aerial platform that is highly maneuverable, as far as driving in its village, and also has a simple setup and operation.
The North Bellmore (NY) Fire Department’s technical rescue unit is built on an International 7400 chassis with body by Morgan Truck Body. Additional outside compartments, generator, painting, and emergency lighting were installed by Hendrickson Fire Equipment. Interior tool mounting was by Chivvis.
The Levittown (NY) Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2019 Pierce Enforcer Ascendant 102-foot TDA.
The department’s apparatus purchasing committee looked at several manufacturers and went out to bid. Smeal was the one manufacturer that met all of the department’s specs.