St. Louis Metro

[MFD76]

[quote name='JM82' date='29 November 2009 - 05:56 PM' timestamp='1259537789' post='350002']

I'm glad to see that StLFD went with Code 3 LEDs this time instead of Power Arc. I'm not a big fan of the Power Arc lighting, even hough there are 4 P.A. LED flashers at each corner on the sides of the box on our new ambo, though it came that way being a demo, and nothing that we would've speced. Pumper 28 looks good with the updated lighting package as well.



Here at Shrewsbury, we've discovered that LED lights don't last the 10 years as told to us, plus what I've read on the internet about them. We've already got 4 LEDs that are out in one of the front blue Code 3 flashers on our new pumper. And 2 of the Code 3 LED flashers on the front of the box of our new ambulance had to be replaced because a quarter-inch of water got into the lights somehow and shorted out several of the LEDs. The water situation is one thing, but the LEDs burning out so soon on the pumper is something we didn't expect.



All-in-all, I'll take the LEDs anyday over the now-old fashioned technology of the rotators.



On a side note to the St. Louis area buffs: Do you like the term "Hook & Ladder" or would you prefer "Truck" or "Ladder" instead? Just curious to know, as it seems St. Louis is the only major fire department to use that term. Myself, I prefer "Truck" or "Ladder." KCMOFD uses the term "Truck" for their aerial apparatus but calls their pumpers "Pumpers", as does the StLFD. I actually prefer the term "Engine." I'd also like to see StLFD refer to their Batt. Chief vehicles as "Battalion 1", "Battalion 2", etc., instead of "801", "802", "Officer1", "Officer 2", etc. 810 would be "Division Chief 1" or "Deputy 1". Sounds more big city-like to me.

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We had problems with Code Three, leaking seals on strobes and other things. We used Federal on the last rig but now are switching to Whelen. I feel they are the only way to go with LED's with a REAL Federal Q siren.



I agree Truck and Engine. Traditionally the Engine is two piece's the Pump and Hose or Wagon. The Truck would be Aerial or Ladder and Truck refered to a city service ladder company with no aerial. In Kansas it was common to see Engine or Pump and Aerial and or Truck. I could deal with Pump but Pumper just does not sound right. I do like District Chief instead of Batt its more fire service sounding instead of military. KCFD like most cities used to use District Chief.



Topeka, Kansas uses Engine 1-11 and Aerial 5's and 8's and Truck for 3,9,10,11 which look like rescues but are really modern City Service Truck Company. Wichita even used to use Aerial and Truck and then in 1972 added Aerial Platform (Tower Ladder). Today all four Trucks are Aerial Platforms or AP on the radio. They guys hate it and want Truck as the radio term.



Stay Safe, Rick