Syracuse Mini-Pumper History

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The specs for the two 1977 E\-One "Big Minis" was pretty satisfactory apart from the power train. A series of eight vehicles with Detroit Diesel/Allison Automatic power was put out to bid in 1980, and 3-D Manufacturing of Bonduel, Wisconsin got the bid. They built them on the GMC C7D042 chassis, with 4-cylinder Detroit Tubo-Diesel power, Allison Automatic transmissions, and Howe/Coleman 4WD front axles. An additional two units built to the same specs were built and delivered by Rescue Systems Incorporated in 1982. 

 



 

It was at about this time that a new mission was assumed by the Syracuse Fire Department: EMS. Up to this time, the SFD had provided basic first aid support to the local private ambulance provider (Eastern Ambuance), and members of the Rescue Company had extra training as first responders - but the majority of the fire department did not. It was decided (probably after the national outcry that accompanied the popular "Emergency!" television program) that all SFD members would become NYS Certified First Responders, and could go on to full EMT status if they desired. Most did, and in the years to come the ranks would include Paramedics and Registered Nurses as well. In any case, the Mini-Pumpers provided the perfect vehicle to offer this service. It suddenly appeared that the SFD had known this was coming, and had already prepared for it. In reality, it just worked out that way, but it certainly made it easier to implement. As the years went by, AEDs and additional response protocols have been added, and the fact that we can put a well-equipped SFD Mini in front of any Syracuse address with two fully-trained EMTs within four minutes has saved many, many lives. The ambulance firm eventually became Rural/Metro and now AMR, and they still do the transports. And, as has been the experience of most fire departments, within a few short years nearly 60% of our runs were EMS alarms.