St. Louis Metro

[MFD76]

[quote name='StLFF34' timestamp='1307067389' post='442450']

read my post right before yours...



I guess I should define "On the track"



In the StLouis Fire Department that phrase means working in the firehouse. It can refer to a firefigter or a piece of equipment. If a FF is on light duty due to an injury we say "He/she is off the track" and/or when assigned back to a fire company "They are back on the track". The same with apparatus.



This term orginated from the horse and buggy days. In each firehouse there was a set of flat steel tracks where the apparatus would sit. They were about 12" wide and 4'-5' long. This is so the crew would place the rig in the same spot every time so when the bell hit, the horses would step in front of the rig and the harnesses could be dropped perfectly making a faster turn out.



You can visit the quarters of Engine Co. 13 where there is still a set of tracks in the floor where Medic13 sits.

[/quote]



Great history piece thanks for sharing!!! Wichita, KS still refers to the machines as on or off track when they are in or out of service. They also refer to the rigs as machines in casual convrsation. I am sure thiere is historical meaning behind the term also.



Stay safe,

Rick