Task Force 7

Yesterday, I had the chance to travel to Bryan, TX to see their new Platform Aerial truck. Bryan,TX has about it all.....residential,commercial,light industrial, heavy industrial, railroad,highway, airport, research facilities, a major university, etc. They are located in "Aggie Country", meaning they are just north of College Station, home of Texas A&M. They are also near one of the top fire schools in the world, TEEX.
They protect 73,000 people over a 43 square mile area, and maintain a Class 2 ISO rating. They have an excellent hydrant system throughout their district.
They run from 5 stations- 5 engines, 5 ambulances, a regional Mobile Command Post, several Zodiac boats, a Fire Shift Commander Suburban, an EMS Shift Commander Chevy 3500/Frazer UCV, and numerous other support vehicles. They run only as a truck and rescue company, but can act as an engine company if needed. ALL Bryan firefighters are also Paramedics. They also are trained in numerous technical rescue disciplines, which are kept in trailers set up specifically for that operation. They are part of a regional tech rescue team, and respond throughout the Brazos Valley region of Texas.
Besides being an overall beautiful truck, it has many, many amazing specs. A lot of this was done by Crimson, but a lot of work was done by the dealer, MetroFire of Houston, TX. They put reflective striping on everything, including inside the compartments so you don't lose your reflective striping when you open a compartment. They also did a lot of custom tool and equipment mounting, and made use of every single inch of space on this truck, plus kept some for room to grow.
Some of them include:
-2011 Spartan Gladiator Extreme Duty, with most of the cab being powdercoated or diamondplated
-Laser outrigger placement indicators for driver positioning for day and night calls
-Capable of flowing 3,000 GPM at the tip, while having 1,000 lbs. in the bucket.
-Cascade system capable of filling two SCBA bottles at a time, while charging the breathing air tanks for the bucket connections. In the fire station, they have a shoreline for breathing air.
-One side of the truck set up for rescue operations, the other set up for firematic operations.
-All tools have their place
-MDT's for everyone
-Large 3 section steel platform aerial, with wide walkway and LED lighting everywhere to see where you are standing or walking
-Tools in box and mounted on aerial include parapet ladders, attack hoselines, tools, stokes baskets, etc.
SEE DETAILED PHOTOS OF THE SPECS BY X635 AT THE FOLLOWING LINK:
http://www.emtbravo.com/texas/apparatus/bryantruck1.php
This is the only Truck Company in the City Of Bryan. It is staffed with 4 firefighters, including the Lt. and Engineer. It replaces a 1994 E-One Aerial Platform..

Check out my detail photos here:http://www.emtbravo.com/texas/apparatus/bryantruck1.php

Austin, TX FD
NEW Rescue 20
2011 Piece Impel XM
Serves South Austin. Resuce 14 serves Central Austin, and Rescue 28 serves North Austin.
Responds with Special Operation Engine 20, if available.

Short wheelbase, everything you need, nothing you don't. Fits snugly into the firehouse.

A couple other random shots:
Independence Hall was under a lot of exterior renovation, which disappointed me, but I got a halfway decent shot of one side (scaffolding and a fake dropcloth with a painted representation were on the other side):


Always good to pre-plan and know the construction of your first due area. Parapet, or bow-string??:

The old cobblestone streets (a PITA might I add lol):



Looking up inside the skirt and into the crack (giggity) of the Liberty Bell:

A poor point, shoot, and hope for the best, shot of the Liberty Bell with Independence Hall in background:

A Philly PD car's insignia:

The next stop on my quest for patches (since L2 did not have any), at the recommendation of the guys at L2 were to try the guys at Engine 11 (which did not have any patches either, so I was a triple strike-out on this trip and really bummed)...



IIRC again, this station houses Engine 11, Medic 21?, and they had an OOS reserve engine in the back of the other bay, but with the poor lighting my shots did not come out.

So, the last stop on my trip, on the way home, was Philadelphia. We decided to check out the Historic District, and were very pleased. We got to tour Independence Hall, see the Liberty Bell, and a couple other historic buildings along the way.
While in the park, I heard a jake brake kick on, and ran to get a picture, but, being as I had a borrowed camera, I had it set on the wrong mode, and missed the best photo opportunity. I did get 2 mediocre shots of Philly FD Rescue 1 passing by:


At the recommendation of a passing tour guide, we went to the first due station to the Historic District, Engine 8 & Ladder 2.
I want to thank the very cordial, friendly and informative guys from the PFD!! I still want some patches though if you ever get them back in!!!!!!!!!!
After talking with one of the firefighters, we found out that Engine 8 was disbanded 5 years ago due to the City cutting companies. They currently run with a Snorkel, but was was out for repairs, and they had a reserve piece in the station (a tiller). Also inside the station was a reserve engine, just being used for storage, not an active piece.
Normally housed at this fire station is Ladder 2, Medic 44B, and Battalion 4 (IIRC):
In-service Reserve Ladder 290






OOS Reserve Engine 302

Thanks for the hints I definitely want to stop at some of these places if we have the time!!
Today's travels took us into PG Co., but we were on a tight schedule. My father wanted to visit and pay respects to his father's grave, (located in PGCO).
On the way back we passed DCFD Eng. Co. #19, the guys were hosing some stuff down, so we stopped to shoot the breeze.
Not the best photo, I know, but it was a quick shot with as little traffic in front as I could get!



I didn't even get the chance to get any info on this engine, as within 2 minutes of getting there, they got an alarm and had to run.


The above engine is due for replacement in the next few weeks, here is a Spy Shot of the NEW DCFD E-19!!

Today, I took a trip about an hour to the east to Washington County, TX to visit Washington County EMS for some photos of their awesome fleet.
For more on information this awesome EMS agency:
http://www.co.washington.tx.us/ips/cms/WCEMS/
Let's start with Squad 1, a Ford F-250/Frazer Bilt, which is staffed by the on-duty Lt. (Shift Commander) out of Station 2 (HQ):

Speaking of Station 2, it opened in 2008 on Hwy 290 South in Brenham, TX:



Washington County EMS-1 (Cheif) operates this Ford F-150

Washington County EMS Medic 4 runs with this Ford F-350/Frazer Bilt

I've never seen an EMS boat before. They are first due for water rescues in a lot of cases, and they have a large recreational lake and other independent bodies of water throughout the district.

Let's take a closer look through Squad 1:









And now, let's take a look around and inside Medic 2 . Medic 2 is a Frazer-Bilt, which is unique because the module is powered by a generator (gasoline powered and whisper quiet) that makes the module completly independent from the chasis power, with straightfoward wiring and easily remountable. It also makes the A/C turn the module into a fridge quick. They are also built in Houston, and very popular throughout the state. Very rugged build, and very nice and durable inside layout:
http://www.frazerbilt.com/flash.php



















And some of the equipment at Station 1:




For more info on Washington County EMS:
http://www.co.washington.tx.us/ips/cms/WCEMS/
And, then there's the Brenham Fire Museum, which is a absolutely meticolous and beautiful building with painstakely restored classic apparatus in the bays:




Brenham FD Rescue 1:


Brenham Engine 4:

Brenham Brush 1:




Links:
For more on this awesome EMS agency:
http://www.co.washington.tx.us/ips/cms/WCEMS/
And their apparatus:
http://www.frazerbilt.com/flash.php
Brenham Heritage Fire Museum:
http://www.ci.brenham.tx.us/FireMuseum.cfm

Austin-Travis County EMS
Austin, TX
District 6 Command
2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4x4
2011 Frazer-Bilt "Urban Command" Module
http://www.frazerbilt.com
Currently towing icemaking trailer

I don't (ever) post because I often feel like I have nothing to add. I have no experience other than as family. My grandfather was FDNY. My brothers were volunteers in Dutchess County.
But I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to each and every one of you. As a family member, I understand the sacrifices you make, the training you make time for and the time you are away from your families, friends and other activities so you can serve your community in the most amazing way I can think of.
I salute your bravery, your commitment and your expertise. Our communities are better places because you live, work and volunteer here.
Consider this a long distance hug from a very grateful community member.
-Heather

Town of Orleans (Mass) Police Dept. has an antique patrol car on display outside their HQ on Rte 28.
The interior could use some restoration work, but it is clean, 76,000 miles!
Gotta love the combo-light/sireen, and whip antenna!

Hi Folks. Just wanted to share our exciting day with the Lower Hudson Valley Fire Service. We delivered Mount Vernon's two (2) new Pierce Arrow XT Pumpers and one (1) new Pierce 105' Heavy Duty Aerial today! Mayor Young had a had a nice press conference to announce there arrival. Photos of the trucks at our new Carmel shop are attached along with a copy of the City of Mount Vernon's press release.
Special thanks to: Mayor Clinton I. Young Jr.
Commissioner Noah Lighty
Deputy Commissioner Theodore Beale
Chief Al-Farid Salahuddin
Deputy Chief Michael Lang
Superintendent James Hurley
Captain Michael St. John
Thannk you very much for the business!
Mike Hanratty
VP Sales & Service
Firematic Supply Co Inc
PR_MOUNT_VERNON_GETS_NEW_FIRE_TRUCKS_9-6-11.doc

Thanks guys for the comments!!
Here is Kennedale's new PUC
Engine 59

After the Bat. Chief came and told me and some other people the fire was contained, I left. I headed over to Coppell to see if their new rigs were in service. Having 3 stations I knew I would have a 33% chance of getting it right. So I went to Station 3 which is located next door to Town Hall. Good call since they were all there for classroom training apparently. Here are two of the four new rigs.
Coppell Engine 122

Front of E-122

Coppell Quint 121


Here are the rigs they replaced. (These photos were taken back in April 2011).


The last photo I caught was of Carrolton Engine 114 doing some sort of training at the high school football stadium.

That's all for now. Enjoy!!

I went out today hoping to catch some shots of some of D/FW's fire apparatus. I headed over to Flower Mound since I haven't been there in a while, and they've gotten some new Pierce Arrow XT in the last year or two. Well I got lucky because I spotted a big black cloud of smoke and went looking for it. I had trouble locating the exact location because it was a grass fire on someone's property with a long gravel road leading back to their house. However as I was driving down one of the major roads in Flower Mound Truck 504 and Air Supply 501 were running code towards me. I parked across the street in a residential neighboorhood and walked down to the end of the street. Here's what I caught.
Flower Mound Truck 504

Flower Mound Air Supply 501

Here's Flower Mound Engine 503 refilling its water tank before going back in to protect the home.

Mutual aid was called in from Lewisville and Grapevine. There were several brush trucks that responded and headed down the gravel road to attack the fire. I didn't get photos of any of those units as I stayed behind the police and fire line. Here are some of the Engines that responded mutual aid for manpower.
Lewisville Engine 166 (Dragon Slayer)

The front bumper of 166

Grapevine Engine 561 (roto-rays are starting to become a trend now in the D/FW area)

561's logo

The rear of Engine 561

After the Bat. Chief came and told me and some other people the fire was contained, I left. I headed over to Coppell to see if their new rigs were in service. Having 3 stations I knew I would have a 33% chance of getting it right. So I went to Station 3 which is located next door to Town Hall. Good call since they were all there for classroom training apparently. Here are two of the four new rigs.
Coppell Engine 122

Front of E-122

Coppell Quint 121


Here are the rigs they replaced. (These photos were taken back in April 2011).


The last photo I caught was of Carrolton Engine 114 doing some sort of training at the high school football stadium.

That's all for now. Enjoy!!

I went out today hoping to catch some shots of some of D/FW's fire apparatus. I headed over to Flower Mound since I haven't been there in a while, and they've gotten some new Pierce Arrow XT in the last year or two. Well I got lucky because I spotted a big black cloud of smoke and went looking for it. I had trouble locating the exact location because it was a grass fire on someone's property with a long gravel road leading back to their house. However as I was driving down one of the major roads in Flower Mound Truck 504 and Air Supply 501 were running code towards me. I parked across the street in a residential neighboorhood and walked down to the end of the street. Here's what I caught.
Flower Mound Truck 504

Flower Mound Air Supply 501

Here's Flower Mound Engine 503 refilling its water tank before going back in to protect the home.

Mutual aid was called in from Lewisville and Grapevine. There were several brush trucks that responded and headed down the gravel road to attack the fire. I didn't get photos of any of those units as I stayed behind the police and fire line. Here are some of the Engines that responded mutual aid for manpower.
Lewisville Engine 166 (Dragon Slayer)

The front bumper of 166

Grapevine Engine 561 (roto-rays are starting to become a trend now in the D/FW area)

561's logo

The rear of Engine 561

After the Bat. Chief came and told me and some other people the fire was contained, I left. I headed over to Coppell to see if their new rigs were in service. Having 3 stations I knew I would have a 33% chance of getting it right. So I went to Station 3 which is located next door to Town Hall. Good call since they were all there for classroom training apparently. Here are two of the four new rigs.
Coppell Engine 122

Front of E-122

Coppell Quint 121


Here are the rigs they replaced. (These photos were taken back in April 2011).


The last photo I caught was of Carrolton Engine 114 doing some sort of training at the high school football stadium.

That's all for now. Enjoy!!

I went out today hoping to catch some shots of some of D/FW's fire apparatus. I headed over to Flower Mound since I haven't been there in a while, and they've gotten some new Pierce Arrow XT in the last year or two. Well I got lucky because I spotted a big black cloud of smoke and went looking for it. I had trouble locating the exact location because it was a grass fire on someone's property with a long gravel road leading back to their house. However as I was driving down one of the major roads in Flower Mound Truck 504 and Air Supply 501 were running code towards me. I parked across the street in a residential neighboorhood and walked down to the end of the street. Here's what I caught.
Flower Mound Truck 504

Flower Mound Air Supply 501

Here's Flower Mound Engine 503 refilling its water tank before going back in to protect the home.

Mutual aid was called in from Lewisville and Grapevine. There were several brush trucks that responded and headed down the gravel road to attack the fire. I didn't get photos of any of those units as I stayed behind the police and fire line. Here are some of the Engines that responded mutual aid for manpower.
Lewisville Engine 166 (Dragon Slayer)

The front bumper of 166

Grapevine Engine 561 (roto-rays are starting to become a trend now in the D/FW area)

561's logo

The rear of Engine 561

After the Bat. Chief came and told me and some other people the fire was contained, I left. I headed over to Coppell to see if their new rigs were in service. Having 3 stations I knew I would have a 33% chance of getting it right. So I went to Station 3 which is located next door to Town Hall. Good call since they were all there for classroom training apparently. Here are two of the four new rigs.
Coppell Engine 122

Front of E-122

Coppell Quint 121


Here are the rigs they replaced. (These photos were taken back in April 2011).


The last photo I caught was of Carrolton Engine 114 doing some sort of training at the high school football stadium.

That's all for now. Enjoy!!

Supersized Ventilation Unit

Trauma Unit

HazMat

ARFF 12

ARFF 21

ARFF 22