TCFD Ladder 18 goes into service.

Ladder 18 has been put in service as of November 22, 2002 by B-Shift Central. It is now the front line pumper at Central Fire Station. It has taken the place of Engine 16 which will now go out to Station 3 as their front line pumper.

Ladder 18 is a 2002 E-One with a 500 Cummins diesel engine. It carries 500 gallons of water and 50 gallons of foam. The aerial extends to 100 feet and also carries 115' in ground ladders. It has a travel height of 11'-10" and a travel length of 40'-5". It has the capability to pump up to 2250gpm. It has a 1,000 gpm pre-piped elevated monitor.

The crews from each shift have been doing extensive training on the apparatus for many months. Training consisted of aerial operations that included how to set the hydraulic jacks properly before raising the aerial can take place. Pumping operations along with the foam onboard. Pumping water up and through the monitor at the end of the aerial. Driving operations on a course set up with cones, including turning, backing and safe speeds. With the height of the apparatus, driver training had to also take place around the City. There are a lot of trees that overhang the streets and the crews have to negotiate around them. Then comes the training of driving emergency and non-emergency in everyday traffic. Due to the numerous operations the apparatus can perform, training will always be ongoing.

Anyone can stop by Central Fire Station on Logan to look at the apparatus, see what equipment it carries and talk to an on-duty crew member about it.

The cost of the apparatus was 634,000 dollars.


Negotiating trees around the City

Aerial operations at Station 2

Pre-piped aerial monitor produces 1000gpm

Pump panel

Captain Mark Allen

Wayne Johnson, Mark Allen and Chuck Mahaney

Wayne Johnson and Mark Allen

James Nunez connects a 5" hose from the hydrant

Captain David Zacherl demostrates the hydraulic jacks