Kansas City area fire apparatus

[MFD76]

[quote name='JM82' timestamp='1325693380' post='469889']

That's a shame that the chief took no input from the firefighters who would be assigned to this rig. I can understand the "good deal" he allegedly got and the ISO thing, but still! The chief should always get input from the personnel who will actually be operating the apparatus being spec'd. But we know that doesn't always happen. Obviously.



So, at the very least what these firefighters assigned to this truck can do now is to learn to live with it, train until they feel comfortable operating an aerial with a pump, since it's a new concept for them, improvise due to the loss of compartment space, and maybe they'll end up liking this rig. To not take full advantage of this quint would be a mistake. Just my opinion.



All things taken into consideration, I would rather have an aerial ladder with a pump and hose, simply because of the "what if" syndrome. Though it could be a one in a thousand chance, "what if" the above truck was first in on a working house fire with persons trapped because the nearest engine company is out on an EMS run and the second-in engine is still several minutes away? Now they've got water and a line that they can stretch and begin search and rescue and possible extinguishment, or at least get a good knock down on the fire. With a dry truck they're S.O.L.!



Yeah, we could "what if" this all day, but in the end I would rather have a pump, 300 gallons of water, and hose on an aerial device. Having almost 30 years in the fire service I can appreciate tradition and what it means with the "dry truck vs. a quint" argument. Pride in being a truckie means their truck is dry, that that's what engine companies are for. At least that's what some truckies will tell you.



There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of rig. Make the best with what ya got!



BTW, why doesn't the KCKFD place larger company numbers, for example, in the middle of the rear doors of the cabs, like several other departments do? Those tiny white numbers and letters on the lower corner of the cab's front doors don't do their rigs any justice.

[/quote]



The some of the older KCK Seagraves and ALF's had Pumper 1 Snorkel 1 on the doors or jump seat and KCKFD opposite. The annexed rigs from Shawnee TWP in the late 1960's never had numbers even though they were Pumper 16 and Pumper 17. The 1978 Pierce Fire Marshals had small numbers on the doors just No.1 under the KCKFD. The 1984 Pierce Suburbans and Pierce Arrows came with foil Maltese-crosses and small white No. 1 and No.1 with no indicator of Pumper or Truck. In the 1990's they added the P and T with number. My guess would be it is easier to reassign a company which KCKFD did quite a lot when they were purchasing rigs regularly. I remember the 1975 ALF Pacemaker 100ft DRY Aerial made its way from Truck 1, Truck 2, Truck 19 before it became Reserve Truck. I even heard it served at old Truck 3 for a while. When it was in reserve it still carried T19 on the door.



KCFD on the other had used the small chrome plated brass plaque and it was mounted ahead of the KCFD on the Open cab Pumpers and Trucks and it was mounted between the cab windows and jump seat windows on the closed cab rigs. These were moved from rig to rig as the companies received new rigs. Sadly they started diapering in the 1990's mainly on the Ford E-Ones and by 1997 they were completely removed from the new fleet of E-Ones. Around 1995 KCFD tried large numbers but they did not stick. I remember Pumper 8 in the Classic ALF Century White over Red rolling with the big P8 on the door and the ugly Box Car E\-One Hurricane at 23 Pumper rolling with a black P23 on the front doors of their white over lime pumper. In 2005 the local dealer had the number plaques recreated and they are now on all the rigs although not brass.



Rick

[MFD76]

Here is an original chrome plated brass plaque on KCFD Truck 7 at Fire House 19. They where originally chrome with black inset. However some companies added red or green paint. Truck 7 actually was one of the few after 1997 that kept there numbers and placed them on the new Truck. The midtown companies have a lot of pride in their equipment and Fire Houses.



Rick

[MFD76]

Here is the new number plaque on KCFD Truck 6. They are machined now not cast and I believe Aluminum. They are also riveted on instead of screws.



Rick

[MFD76]

Alot has been happening in the KCFD. Last month the City Manage recommended that the fire department cut 105 positions, fourth fireman on the Pumpers a 7million savings. The fire chief said he would not cut the fourth fireman on e Pumpers. The Mayor then changed the request and told the fire chief to make the cuts where he deamed approite. Two days ago the fire chief presented his plan. He made it very clear fire Appratus must respond with four and the city can not risk loosing any current companies without adversely affecting response, fireman safety, public safety. The fire chief does not favor Quints due to the numerous fire ground safety issues that they cause. The city already is two trucks short and around three Pumpers short.



The fire chief will Close Pumper 32, Pumper 1. The next units are housed together currently. Far north close Pumper 3 retain Truck 4 as a quint. Southend Close Pumper 36 keep Truck 15 as a quint. Far east close Pumper 39 and retain Truck 13 as a quint. Also the three Rescues will reduce from six fireman to four and Haz-Mat 71 will reduce from eight fireman to seven between the Support and Pumper. If placed in effect they will offer a Golden Boot for retirement and any left overs will be laid off to reduce the 105 positions. The Ambulances will remain untouched and fully staffed. The city wants to cut fire suppression only.

This is not great but his plan keeps the evil Quints in the far outskirts of the city and allows the high call volume areas to remain untouched. These outer areas also have strong voter support and have been complaining about a lack of general city service. This might work in the Fire Departments favor and the plan might not tak effect. The city council must still vote for the above changes before it will go into effect.



Here is an overview IF IT TAKES EFFECT:

Pumper 1 fully closed and close fire house farthest south company in the city.

Pumper 32 closed at FH19 tripple house however Pumper 19 and Truck 7 remain open.

Pumper 3 close farthest north engine in city Truck 4 remains at 3's open run as quint

(northland keeps Truck 12 as northland Truck)

Pumper 36 close Southend company Truck 15 remains at 36's open run as quint.

(Southend keeps Truck 8 as south end Truck)

Pumper 39 close farthest east engine in city Truck 13 remains at 39's open run as quint.

(East keeps Truck 5 Rescue 9).

Pumper 71 and Support 71 run both pieces to every alarm since they will only have seven firemen.



Rick

[MFD76]

Olathe, Kansas Fire Department

Engine 5

2011

#24496-02

Pierce Velocity PUC

1500/500/30FB

one of two



Historic note: These are the first two Pierce Engines purchased since the two 1980 Pierce Arrow Pumpers. These are also the first sold Red Engines purchased since the 1980 Pierce Arrow's. Engine 1 received #24496-01. All four front line Engines now have side mounted ladders Engine 1,4,5,7. These two complete the goal of returning to basic standard Engines.











Olathe currently has a 100ft Tower Ladder on order from Pierce for Truck 1. They are also begining the steps toward purchasing a new Rescue 1.

[MFD76]

Southern Platte Fire Protection District

Pumper 64 (Eng 4)

2012

#25181

Pierce Impel PUC

1500/1000



This replaces the last of the twin 2000 Pierce Quantum Rescue Pumpers. Both 2000 Quantum's have been disposed of and the 1996 Pierce Dash has been retained as the reserve Engine.







South Platte will be the first ever metro department to join the Kansas City Fire Department, Fire Alarm Exchange. South Platte will now carry the 60 series on the KCFD radio. KCFD has 1-59 reserved for their use. This has occurred due to South Platte's current county dispatching agency not preparing for narrow banding. It has also occurred since South Platte automatic aides KCFD for a Truck Company on the north west side of Kansas City and provides tenders for KCI in the event of an air disaster. If the process goes smoothly, plans are for other metro departments to join the Fire Alarm Exchange.

[MFD76]

Olathe, Kansas Fire Department

Haz-Mat 522 (EOD)

Fire House 2

2001

#01F00152

Hackney/ Freightliner



Olathe Fire Department is responsible for Explosive Ordnance Disposal. This program is operated between the fire department Special Operations Group (SOG) and Fire Marshals office.







Rear logistics and control room is provided.

[MFD76]

Olathe, Kansas Fire Department

Engine 1

2011

#24496-01

Pierce Velocity PUC

1500/500/30FB



This is the twin to Engine 5.

[Guest]

Thanks for the info on KC...sad to hear...that is a good department with some neat traditions. Thanks also for posting the Olathe pumpers...you wouldn't happen to have any tailboard shots of it, would you?

[MFD76]

Thought is would be nice to post a Lawrence, Kansas Fire Department up-date. Here is the current frontline fleet. They currently operate three Quint's, one Engine, one Tower, one Rescue, one Divison Chief from five fire houses. The entire front line fleet is now RED!!!

In reserve are Green, 1995 Spartan-Smeal 75ft quint, 1996 HME-Smeal 75ft quint, 2000 HME-Smeal 100ft Dry Truck, 2000 American LaFrance Engine.

FYI They are expecting another Engine this next year replacing Quint 4. Quint 4 will become Quint 3 and the current Quint 3 will become a reserve. That will bring the department to an all velocity front line fleet and they will have two Engine's, two Quint's, one Tower, one Rescue, one Divison Chief in front line service.





Lawrence, Kansas Fire Department

Engine 1

2010

#23571

Pierce Velocity

2000/500/CAFS











Lawrence, Kansas Fire Department

Quint 2

2009

Pierce Velocity

2000/500/CAFS

75ft Ladder

(one of two)











Lawrence, Kansas Fire Department

Quint 3

ex Quint 1

2005

#17737

Pierce Lance

1500/500/30FA

75ft PAL Ladder

(First Red Unit Purchased since 1970's)









Lawrence, Kansas Fire Department

Quint 4

2009

Pierce Velocity

2000/500/CAFS

75ft Ladder

(two of two)











Lawrence, Kansas Fire Department

Truck 5

2011

#23572

Pierce Velocity

2000/300/CAFS

95ft PAL Tower Ladder











Lawrence, Kansas Fire Department

Rescue 5

2009

#21579

Pierce Velocity

0000/000











Lawrence, Kansas Fire Department

Divison Chief

Fire House 5











Medic Unit

There are six Medic units in service each day. Lawrence firehouse 1,2,3,4,5, and 11 is EMS only in Baldwin City, KS. All are RED and similar to this unit.

[DaveYoung]

Nice pics of the Lawrence fleet!

[Guest]

I was looking at the official Lawrence Fire Department website and the pics of the apparatus, and that particular shade of green on the older rigs is horrible! The new red apparatus look so much better. Actually, the older rigs, if painted red, wouldn't look too bad.



What's the reason that they're going from 3 quints down to 2? Cost savings or just no need for a third quint?

[MFD76]

[quote name='JM82' timestamp='1335360382' post='482927']

I was looking at the official Lawrence Fire Department website and the pics of the apparatus, and that particular shade of green on the older rigs is horrible! The new red apparatus look so much better. Actually, the older rigs, if painted red, wouldn't look too bad.



What's the reason that they're going from 3 quints down to 2? Cost savings or just no need for a third quint?

[/quote]



Hey Jeff,



Kind of interesting. I wish it was to get out of the Hybrid Quint concept, miss the old LFD when it was four pumps, two squads, and a dry truck. They had some money left from the sales tax that was used to purchase the entire current frontline fleet except Quint 3. They are also in need of a new Haz-Mat unit. So they are purchasing a combine Haz-Mat Engine. It won't be small from what I have been told. Unknown if they will keep the Hackney that servers as Haz-Mat 4.



Rick

[Guest]

Thanks for the info.! At least they'll have one decent looking reserve rig in the fleet!



I don't think I've ever seen a "Haz-Mat Engine." I'm guessing that they're larger than a standard pumper and have more compartments, etc.???



Also, how many do they staff on each rig?

[MFD76]

[quote name='JM82' timestamp='1335447102' post='483062']

Thanks for the info.! At least they'll have one decent looking reserve rig in the fleet!



I don't think I've ever seen a "Haz-Mat Engine." I'm guessing that they're larger than a standard pumper and have more compartments, etc.???



Also, how many do they staff on each rig?

[/quote]



Before the 1997-1998 County EMS takeover they staffed four pumps with four and one truck with three-four and squads with two. Pre 1998 LFD only ran fires and entrapments. After EMS takeover they staffed with four on the quints/engine and two on the truck. This was because from 1998-2005 they staffed three Lt, Fireman, Paramedic on the ambulances. It was part of the agreement with the County for taking EMS over and they used to preform extraction from the ambulance for the entire county. The two squads officer, firemen and the two firemen on the truck were used to staff more ambulances. In 2005 when Fire House Five opened they began staffing the Truck with three, now the Rescue with three, ambulances are two again. The Rescue now makes all entrapment/ pin jobs in the county. Each district Engine/Quint has a Capt assigned, each district ambulance has a Lt and Paramedic. The Rescue has a Lt assigned. When the Capt is gone the Lt bumps up to the District Engine/Quint and a Act Lt. bumps to the ambulance. Fire House Five has three Lt. assigned and one Capt. The Lt's at five rotate between Medic, Rescue, Float-Out. They take turns based on the tour, so every two tours you float-out.

[Guest]

OK, Rick, thanks for the info.! Much appreciated!

[MFD76]

Finely able to get out on the road again. Hit the southern most boundary of the metro. About 45min from Kansas City, Missouri proper is Ottawa, Kansas Fire Department. Ottawa is fully career protecting 12,700 people from two fire houses. They have six firemen on duty each day. Four fireman on Engine 2 at Fire House One and Two fireman on Engine 3 at Fire House Two. They respond to fire, life threatening ems, and entrapment alarms.



Note: Ottawa, Kansas is home to Ottawa Truck where they primarily have produced yard tractors. At one time they produced the Ottawa Custom Fire Truck chassis at the Ottawa, Kansas plant. This was one of the last fire engine chassis built according to Ottawa Fire Department. It was driven from Ottawa Truck to Beck in California for the body. This is the only Ottawa ever owned and operated by Ottawa Fire Department. I am aware of three Ottawa Fire Trucks operating in Kansas two finished with Beck bodies and one E\-One body with canopy cab.



Ottawa, Kansas Fire Department

Fire House 1

Engine 1 (Reserve)

1991

#348

Ottawa/Beck

1500/750







Ottawa, Kansas Fire Department

Fire House 1

Engine 2

2001

#12551

Pierce Saber

1500/1000

Note: Replaced the 1975 Seagrave pumper.







Ottawa, Kansas Fire Department

Fire House 2

Engine 3

1996

#EA002

Pierce Saber

1500/750

Note: replaced the 1967 International 8190 CO/ Howe pumper.







Ottawa, Kansas Fire Department

Fire House 1

Engine 8

1930

#7287

American LaFrance Type 212 (Chain Drive)

750/80

Note: windshield was built in house not original and cowl hand rail still intact.

Note: In service until 1967 and replaced by the 1967 International 8190 CO/ Howe pumper.







Ottawa, Kansas Fire Department

Fire House 1

Squad 1

2007

#FL0443

Ford F-550/ Pierce Contender

500/300/20FA/CAFS

Note: FEMA Grant this has been a very problematic apparatus and is now only used for brush fires and county extraction alarms for to the 4x4.







Ottawa, Kansas Fire Department

Fire House 1

Tower 1

2008

#20196

Pierce Velocity

2000/300

100ft Tower Ladder

The white over red was not by choice but was due to being purchased from Pierce Stock. This is the pride of the fleet. Two fireman from Engine 2 will bring the Tower if needed. It is booked on commercial fire and fire alarms and target hazards.

Note: First unit with a Mechanical Siren since the 1975 Seagrave.

Note: Replaced the 1981 American LaFrance Century Series 75ft Water Chief.





check out the others on Kansas fire trucks .com

[MFD76]

I wanted to post the entire fleet together so here they are.



I recent years Sugar Creek had gained recognition with Kansas City Headquartered Hallmark Cards introducing a Christmas ornament of their 1947 American LaFrance 700 Series. The ornament even replicates the Sugar Creek door decal.



Sugar Creek, Missouri population 3,700 is a small landlocked town on the Missouri River bordered by Independence, Missouri. It is a quiet small town that reminds one of the 1950's with old houses and well groomed sports fields and a flashing red stop light. Sugar Creek was home for many years to the Amoco Oil Refinery and tank farm. Currently the tank farm is all that is left in operation. When the refinery closed Amoco gave the two remaining fire apparatus to the City of Sugar Creek and they entered into an agreement for Sugar Creek to provide fire protection. Sugar Creek has two career firemen on duty each day and twenty part-time firemen from one fire house. Enjoy!!!







Sugar Creek, Missouri Fire Department

Pumper 1

2000

#121490

E\-One Cyclone II Low Profile

1750/1000

Note: The old fire house had a very low bay door.











Sugar Creek, Missouri Fire Department

Pumper 2 (Reserve)

1977

#9724-C

Ford C-8000/ Pierce Suburban

1000/1000











Sugar Creek, Missouri Fire Department

Unit 10

1980

#ME-928

Duplex P-300/ National Foam/ Snorkel

1250/0/1000FB

54ft Squirt

EX: Sugar Creek, Missouri Amoco Oil Refinery Fire Department











Sugar Creek, Missouri Fire Department

Rescue 1

2009

#N/A

Ford F-350/ Knaphide

0000/000









Sugar Creek, Missouri Fire Department

Brush 1

1985

#N/A

Chevrolet

250/325

EX: US Military Pick-Up

Note: On loan by Missouri Department of Conversation











Private Owner

EX Sugar Creek, Missouri Fire Department

EX Pumper 1, EX Pumper 2

1964

#26417

Mack C Model Chassis # 1039

Type C125F

1250/500

Note: The old fire house had a very low bay door.

[MFD76]

Shawnee, Kansas Fire Department

Engine 73

2012

#25426

Pierce Velocity/ PUC

1500/500/30FA CAFS

[MFD76]

Overland Park, Kansas Fire Department

Engine 41

2012

#24719

Pierce Velocity PUC

1500/750/30FA/CAFS