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I can't wait until I can afford one of these.....TWH is starting to put Code 3 to shame!

FULL STORY: http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_12133446?IADI....eveningsun.com

Does any agency in the NYC Metro area have a "multiple patient" transport vehicle? FULL STORY: http://www.emsresponder.com/web/online/Top...Bus/1$9357

FULL STORY: http://www.lohud.com/article/20090417/NEWS02/904170413

This Saturday, February 21st, the National Geographic Channel (Nat Geo) will begin airing episodes of the hit series "Wrecked: Life in the Crash Lane", previously only exclusively shown on the SPEED network. There will be two half-hour episodes starting at 8PM EST, and re-airing at 11PM EST. This is my favorite show of all time. It's about a family owned towing and recovery business in the Chicago, IL area. They have a fleet of over 70 trucks, and 100 staff. The cameras follow them to some very interesting incidents, and it's fascinating to watch how they handle them. They specialize in heavy truck recovery, and it's amazing the situations these trucks get into, and O'Hare has to get them out of. They have an awesome fleet including two heavy duty rotators. They are very safety oriented. They are very busy, and very fun to watch. There's more to the towing industry then meets the eye, and watching these pro's will prove that. The show's been picked up for a second season starting in May on SPEED, and a diecast version of an O'Hare flatbed is on it's way.

Will be showing two more, hour long back to back episodes tonight (Saturday April 18th) on Nat Geo channel @ 8PM EST, repeating at 11PM EST and Sunday morning at 10AM EST. CHECK THIS SHOW OUT! Joey's "Mistress" 2006 Kenworth/ Century 1060 (60 ton rotating boom) (Photo from National Georgraphic channel and posted with permission)

The City Of Austin, TX FD has just taken delivery of this 2009 Pierce Contender. Austin FD, for many years, has been using the Quantum chasis. Like many municipalties across the country, the City is tightening it's belt. It's unclear right now why they went with the Contender, but given the price difference between a Quantum and Contener, I think that may be one of the reasons. Also, the Contender is a great brand....it is a great value, well built, and comes with all of the features you need. The Contender line, manufacturered in Pierce's Bradenton, Florida plant, is thriving here in Central and South Texas, as well as in many other parts of the Country. "Program trucks" are starting to become really popular, especially with departments with a limited budget. Also, the program truck can be built and delivered a lot faster then a traditional custom engine. Although there's a number of ways to customize a Contender, some standard features standardize engineeering and manufacturing processes and therefore lower costs. I have a feeling that many of you attending FDIC will see manufacturers promoting the "program truck" line, especially with this economy, as I said, it's a great value. Anyway, here it is. Austin, TX Fire Department NEW Engine 45 2009 Pierce Contender

Great shots! That front pump panel is definetly unique!

I didn't like it at first, but kinda grew on me....especially after they "refreshed" the Quantum a few years back.... Here's Austin's Rescue 14.

City Of Georgetown, TX (Williamson County, Austin Metro area) Squad 1 2007 Ford F-550 4x4/Pierce Primary for all EMS calls, minor MVA's, minor incidents, and rubbish/brush/grass fires. Responds to all fill-out assignments. Staffed with two firefighters out of Georetown's Station 1 (with Quint 1 and Battalion 1). Designed to take the wear and tear off the larger, more expensive appararatus for "routine" calls as well as keep them available. Also, gives the department great manuverability, and has pump and roll capabilities. The crosswalk behind the cab is for two firefighters to operate two CAFS handlines from both the officers side and passenger side for grass fires (which move QUICKLY!). The Squad also has a front bumper turret, with a remote control joystick, also capable of flowing CAFS from every discharge, mainly for brush fire use. Pump is powered by it's own diesel engine. VERY unique rig! All photos by me. Apparatus Profile Photos: http://www.emtbravo.com/apparatusprofiles/...etownsquad1.php

My condolences. Thoughts and prayers are with the affected.

Although I kinda agree with you, what I've heard from some Quantum users (which will include 10 new Quantum pumpers to Phoenix FD). Also, some of this is based on my personal experience with the chasis. -Large, spacious cab -Cab is well insulated from the Engine, therefore making the cab quieter and easier to cool -HUGE cab, very spacious- easy to handle 4-6 firefighters, their gear, and EMS equipment (which is kept in the cab for climate reasons). -Air-actuated steps make getting in and out much easier on the firefighters -Handles awesome, great commanding view and huge windshield and side windows. -Tons of space for driver and officer up front as well However, Pierce has been bidding very, very high on the Quantums lately for some reason, therefore losing to other manufacturers, or to even themselves with the Contender line. Here's one of Austin's Quantums:

Kudos to Officer Pallett!! FULL STORY: http://www.lohud.com/article/20090417/NEWS/904170404

Who operates the reverse 911 call system?? 60??? FULL STORY: http://www.lohud.com/article/20090417/NEWS/904170400

What a HORRIBLE act....I hope whoever did this has the same done to him or her. Anyways, KUDOS to MVFD- even though it's a horrible incident, it is good to see the compassion of MVFD FF's highlighted in The Journal News for once. FULL STORY: http://www.lohud.com/article/2009904140354

Photos by Frank Becerra Jr. - The Journal News PHOTOS: http://jukebox.lohud.com/photos/refers/ind...Crash%204-14-09

FULL STORY: http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article...309/1006/news01

FULL STORY: http://www.lohud.com/article/20090414/RSS1...4/1205/NEWS0408

FULL STORY: http://www.lohud.com/article/20090415/NEWS02/904150413

AWESOME truck, and great photos Mark! Thanks for sharing, I especially love detail and compartment shots!

FULL STORY: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6374373.html

It's been a rough few weeks in Houston. This news comes as word that the civilian victim of the recent apparatus MVA has died. Thoughts and prayers are with all involved. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl//6370042.html

Firefighters are voluntarily pitching in from around the state so that everyone can attend at least part of the services.

Some further info: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/2009/council_032609.htm

Austin FD is also taking delivery of this 2009 Dodge Ram 5500 4x4/Siddons "Skeeter" brush truck. Amongst other feaures, it is CAFS equipped, has "pump and roll" capabilties, and has a remote control (from the cab) front turret. As the drought conditions worsen here in Texas, and urban interface wildfires get more frequent, the brush truck category is growing like crazy. There are a lot of local brush truck fabricators here in Texas, and some of the departments even build their own. These brush trucks are referred to as "Texas style", most noteable for their secure riding positions for supression purposes on a deck between the body and the cab. This truck was built by Siddons Fire Apparatus, the local Pierce Dealer which recently aqquired a brush truck company in San Antonio. They are building a new facility in San Antonio to manufacture these trucks, as well as a San Antonio Pierce service center. They also have locations outside Austin, TX, and a police car and ambulance facility in Houston. (They are the distributor for Lifeline here in Texas- however Wheeled Coach and Frazer dominate the ambulance market)