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The problem here is that talk is cheap, but officers on patrol are not. If the Mayor wanted to really do something, she'd find the $ to put more officers on per shift and make it happen TODAY.

Alcohol needs to go. We got rid of it along time ago, and that has prevented many problems from occuring.

I totally agree, it is about the situation, not paid vs unpaid. Bottom line is they need tankers. So why rule out the paid/combo depts? If you need water on wheels, take it from anywhere you can get it. Thats all I meant by the statement.

This an some of the other info is rather useful, but I see major limitations in much of what has been posted. Who bought what brand is general low on my list for specing (it is high for awarding a bid....quality, customer service, etc.)
1st one must look at your current and future operations. Are you going to use it as a nurse tanker, a shuttle tanker or both? I left out pumper or attack tanker (as its clear from what you wrote that thats not the direction your looking at). Will your operations or community change in the next 20+ years?
Since this is a critical part of your depts water supply plan for the non-hydrant area you need to consider how it will fit in with your mutual aid tankers. Standardization of fill and dump times is critical to success on the fire ground and getting credit under ISO.
The size of the tank is what most ff's think of, but the most important issue is the tanker GPM delivery during shuttles. I have seen tankers that can not unload quickly enough so they get sent home. I have also seen tankers that can not unload up to 25% of the load.
Side dumps can be at the front, middle or rear of each side and there are issues with each. Filling can be done from above or below and depending on how you set it up can require only 1 FF or 5. I'd rather have those other 4 at the fire.
Breaking and handling issues are critical with tankers and there are many systems to consider. Jakes, Telmas and transmition retarders (or a combination). Manuverability is also critical as turning around is common.
Most depts. buy either a replacement of what they have or what they see someone else has and rarely consider the performance needs. If you do not spec the performance (particularly the fill and dump times) then if you find your tanker is slow, you are stuck with it.
Good luck

I am already in contact with a Commissioner from Somers about thier Tanker . (It's my old dept)
Keep the suggestions coming!

Personally, I would recommend just about anything from RAE Systems. Our HAZMAT team uses a bunch of their meters and we're very happy with them.
http://www.raesystems.com/industry/fire-and-hazmat
They actually have a 4 gas meter with a Photo-Ionization Detector (PID) built in, which is pretty handy if your guys know how to use them. Knowing Marlboro the way I do, I'd imagine you probably don't do that much major HAZMAT stuff, but the RAE Systems meters can be networked to a central computer if you have a major incident so you can oversee what multiple units in the field are sampling in real time. With a few mouse clicks any mutual aid companies or HAZMAT teams that use the RAE technology can be added to your computer. Maybe that's useful to you, maybe not, but its something to at least look at.
I'd suggest you reach out to the sales reps and have them come in to talk to you and show you what they have. Everybody can make a 4 gas meter but some of the manufacturers can offer some pretty interesting features.
Also I'd recommend talking to your local HAZMAT team and see what they're using. Chances are they've probably done a lot of research and played with things that do/don't work. Most HAZMAT teams usually have 1 or 2 big meter geeks that can talk your ear off with the pros/cons of each manufacturer.
The absolute best advice I can provide is to make sure you find a good service company for your metering package. Meters are going to break and are going to need service above what your guys can do in station. Making sure you get good customer service on the maintenance side is going to alleviate >90% of your problems, so take care of that on the front side and you'll probably end up okay. A meter does you no good if its out for service for weeks at a time and you can't get ahold of the guy whose supposed to be fixing it.
Good luck.

Should be a fun parade.. Might be soggy, but fun none the less. I will be with our antique, a 1937 ALF pumper.

Latest Update: What a jeep looks like without sheetmetal. All nicely painted and ready for the body!

It was bought for an Industrial Fire Brigade by Western Electric in Winston Salen NC in 1954, where it served until 1989, then went to a Boy Scout Camp fror a few years, then to 2 private individuals, then I bought it. Strangely enough, it was never lettered/stickered/goldleafed ever in it's life.
.

The "year and a half later" update... I work on my Jeep in my spare time, which between work, family, Fire Dept, Fire District, working on "quick" restoration of a M274A5 mechanical mule and life in general, there isnt much of.. After determining that the engine and drivetrain were working well and didnt need any internal work done to them, the body came off in early June. The frame was cleaned, degreased, primed, painted, and the brakes upgraded from 9 inch drums and single circut master cylinder to 11 inch drums and dual circut master cylinder. All body panels were sandblasted, cleaned and primed. The pump was removed and cleaned up. Prior to removal, it put out 490 GPM according to the Pitot Tube flow tester. Not bad for a 50+ year old pump rated for 500 GPM. With some luck, the paintshop should get the body stuff done by the end of July, possibly earlier. Once paint is done, reassembly will go pretty quick (week or two), as there is no removing rusted bolts, wire wheeling them, priming them, tagging/bagging and documentation of them and everything else that came off the Jeep. Some pictures of how it currently is.
I have also attached some other pictures of other restorations I have done. a 1945 Willys MB with 1944 Willys MBT trailer, and a 1969 M274A5 Mule. Both of which are in 100% functional "as it was back then" condition and in fine running condition. Both were in my town's Memorial Day Parade this year.

More work, more pictures.
The 1.5 inch handline set up all bolted together now. I can pack 200-250 feet of 1.5 inch in there, so not bad for 2 handlines on a hose bed that not even 3 feet deep.
The stop light on the back is not original, but I figure it cant hurt as far as being seen.
The Federal WL siren was originally 6 Volts and non working when I got it. It's now 12 Volts and very loud..

Not too bad, getting a mention in the Washington Post newspaper... My business is The Supply Captain.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/fashionable-easy-and-functional-paracord-bracelets-soar-in-popularity/2012/07/25/gJQAqffx8W_story.html
Very cool!

Not too bad, getting a mention in the Washington Post newspaper... My business is The Supply Captain.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/fashionable-easy-and-functional-paracord-bracelets-soar-in-popularity/2012/07/25/gJQAqffx8W_story.html
Very cool!

Latest Update: What a jeep looks like without sheetmetal. All nicely painted and ready for the body!

A monumental step today.. The chassis is done! Now on to the body!

A monumental step today.. The chassis is done! Now on to the body!

A monumental step today.. The chassis is done! Now on to the body!

Great way to spend taxpayer dollars.......

You are right. The only ones to benefit are the Pelhams. As a resident of Eng 3's first due area near the Town of Mamaroneck border, every time Eng 23 would go to Pelham my next due engine is either 25 or 21. Both are 8-10 minutes away depending on traffic/weather conditions. If the people want to save on taxes go after the Board of Education, not the fire service.

Looks Awesome Brother. I want a ride someday!

Someone asked what I started with.. Here is a before picture of the 1969 M274A5 Mechanical Mule when I first got it. Alot of replacing of leaking seals, gaskets, some engine and transaxle work, all new fluids, finding or fabricating some missing parts, wire wheeling, sandblasting, primering, and painting went into it. And a ton of hours doing research: Reading the military technical manuals, looking at other mules, and some SWAGing. The 2nd picture is the day before I put the stenciling and reflective decals on it.

Someone asked what I started with.. Here is a before picture of the 1969 M274A5 Mechanical Mule when I first got it. Alot of replacing of leaking seals, gaskets, some engine and transaxle work, all new fluids, finding or fabricating some missing parts, wire wheeling, sandblasting, primering, and painting went into it. And a ton of hours doing research: Reading the military technical manuals, looking at other mules, and some SWAGing. The 2nd picture is the day before I put the stenciling and reflective decals on it.

Does Willys count?

All,
It's still not done with the restoration, but it was a good day today to go move some water. The Barton 500 GPM pump puts out water well, and catches a draft quick. My probie had some fun shooting water. They are off a cell phone, so sorry for the poor quality, but I figure they would be interesting, seeing some old apparatus being restored and still functional. I have all the orginal suction hose, ladders, etc, but it was alot easier to use the lightweight hard sleeve and modern hose for todays "testing".