City Of Rochester, NY Fire Apparatus

[GA_Dave]

 

whether or not it can be considered a success or a failure has to be viewed in light of the facts - including whether or not they still use it.

I can only agree with the last part of that statement to a degree.  Whether or not they still use it may depend entirely on who the current administration is.  Personal opinions of the Chief often dictate the direction of the department, regardless of success or failure.

 

I currently reside in an area protected by a career County FD.  They run from 14 stations with 14 Engine and 3 Truck Companies.  Two of the trucks are TDA's, with the third being a 75' quint.  Beginning in the mid-1990's, three of the Engine Companies have been assigned 75' quints, providing three additional aerial apparatus when the need arises.  These quints did not replace Truck Companies, but place an aerial where none previously existed.  For almost 20 years, this practice has been successful, even through several changes at the Number 1 spot.  The quints have not always been assigned to the same three companies, being moved around as situations dictate.  When this began, there were only 11 Engine and 2 Truck Companies (1 rearmount, 1 quint).  As the County grew, the quints were relocated to provide optimum coverage to the areas away from the Truck Companies.  I forsee no real changes to this concept in the future, but I also know that the next Chief may completely change things if he doesn't like or understand the system, regardless of how well it works.