Wilmington, DE

[Rob Pryor]

In July, Wilmington Ladder 1 (2006 Pierce 100' TDA) was involved in an accident where a stolen car was crashed into the tiller wheel area while fleeing from police.  The only firefighter injury was to the tillerman who was thrown into the door of the tiller cab and injured his shoulder.  This member is still of on light duty.  The department used well worn reserve Ladder 3, 1998 KME TDA to replace it during the repair.  The truck was recently placed back into service after a lengthy repair.  During this time, Tower 2 (2006 Pierce 95' mid-mount tower) went down with major engine trouble.  This issue forced the WFD to get creative and look to lease a ladder for a few months.  While the search was under way, the city's shops were able to perform a temporary fix to Tower 2.  WFD leased a 1998 HME/Quality/RK Aerials 109' rear mount from Brindlee Mountain.  This ladder was the ex-Truck 1 from Wilson, NC.  Both ladders have now returned to service, and the specs have rescently been drawn up for a new TDA to replace Ladder 3.  The new TDA will go to Ladder 2 and the 06 Tower will be placed into reserve.  Currently the ladder is not out to bid, awaiting on city procurement approval to be put out to bid.