by FF J. Batz
The Reading Fire Department operates with several front line pieces
of equipment including 10 engines, 4 ladder trucks, and 2 heavy
rescue vehicles. The rigs are used heavily throughout their service
life. As they age, they are generally moved back into a reserve
status which can readily replace a front line rig for routine
maintenance, repairs or used for service during multiple alarms.
Since 1996, the department has begun a
standardization process during which all the engine companies would
eventually become identical, saving training and repair time. For the
first time in the history of the RFD, the engine companies will all
be nearly identical with the delivery of 5 new KME custom pumpers.
After locating additional money within the community development funds, it
was discovered that the administration would be able to add on to the original order of 2 pumpers.
KME officials state the new pumper will all be delivered before the
Christmas holiday.
Over the past year, the apparatus committee has also been hard at
work designing and specking a new Heavy Rescue Truck. The new rig is
slated to Replace our current Rescue 1, a 1992 Mack/Saulsbury. The
rig is nearing completion and is expecting in the next few weeks. After personnel are trained to operate the new Rescue, it will be placed in service.
As
with other apparatus in the department, the current rig will be moved
into reserve status. Their is no plan at this point on the fate of
the current Rescue 2.
The new Rescue will feature a bumper mounted "Hurst" hydraulic tool, 6 man crew cab, laptop computer system for
the Lt, RIT compartment, cascade system, and a rear walk-up for easy
access to compartments on the roof. Tool and Radio mounting is
scheduled to begin on Thursday 9/27 and will continue till completion.
Thanks to Lt. Wentzel for sending us these photos.
