Virginia - Here and There

[Guest]

You got it Truckman. Here in Fairfax the Wagon rolled with 3 guys and the Engine with 1 (driver/pump operator). The change in terminology (I believe) occurred after the Air Florida crash when you had NOVA units working with DC and MD companies. For example a "Rescue" in Fairfax was a BLS ambulance, whereas DC called them Ambulances. A heavy rescue company in Fairfax was called a "Squad" where DC and MD called them "Rescue Squads", so asking for a "Rescue" from one jurisdiction would get you something entirely different from one to the other. Fairfax referred to their 2-piece Engine Companies as "Wagon/Engine" while DC referred to their 2-piece companies as "Engine and Pumper", which Fairfax eventually (and sadly) adopted as well. The rationale and reasoning is sound but parting ways with history and tradition is always difficult.



I will say that in my opinion the 2-piece engine company system is still a valid concept. The Engine lays out and the pumper immediately secures their water supply. Done deal. Go to work.



To my knowledge the only department in the USA to still be using a similar concept is the LAFD with their "Task Force/Light Force" system.



Corrections welcome! I think I was 10 years old when the Air Florida crash happened.