Kevin Griffen found this description from 2008:
On April 7, 2008, Meshoppen Volunteer Fire Department took delivery of a 1997 KME 100 ft. Aerial Cat. Over the next few months, members will be doing aerial & truck company ops. training. After routine maintenance & inspection, Ladder 2 will be in service. MVFD purchased the Ladder from Frankfort, Illinois Station 2.
Meshoppen VFD Ladder 2 is X-Frankfort FPD . Meshoppen VFD photo
Old Frankfort FPD Truck 1, avKME quint. Karl Klotz photo
#1 by Jay on December 30, 2012 - 5:11 PM
Thats the best running truck we have at our station. we use it for many purposes especially for Proctor and Gamble. Glad we bought it from Frankfort.
#2 by Bill Post on December 26, 2012 - 10:11 PM
FFPM571, yes I am familiar with KME’s nickname and that’s why I am shocked that the New York City Fire Department should give such a large (what appears to be a first time) order to KME. It is apparent that KME is offering a cheaper price but apparently in many cases quality has suffered. It is apparent to me that one of the reasons for Los Angeles City and Philadelphia as well ordering from KME is because of the economic downturn so both fire departments went with the cheapest rigs. Both Philadelphia and Los Angeles City have taken a number of fire companies out of service over the last few years so they are really hurting.
Los Angeles City took 10 engines, 7 trucks, 2 Battalions, 1 Division, 7 BLS ambulances, and 1 Hazmat Squad out of service. Philadelphia has taken 5 engines and 2 trucks out of service. Before the cut backs, Los Angeles City was ordering their engines from both Pierce and Seagrave as double orders for several years.
KME has a factory service center in Ontario California just over the border in San Bernadino County, which probably explains why the Los Angeles County fire department has been buying their engines and trucks for over 20 years. I guess that’s why Philadephia must also be ordering from them, since they don’t have far to travel to get to their headquarters which is also in Pennsylvania.
#3 by Mike on December 26, 2012 - 6:50 PM
Ugh, I still have nightmares about that truck. Frankfort was the only department that ran with KME in the area that I knew of. They had issues with their KME Squad and Engine too. Not a fan of KME, but I havent been real impressed with Pierce for the last few years either.
#4 by FFPM571 on December 26, 2012 - 6:18 PM
Bill.. The reason that KME was sold by Frankfort when it was less than 10 years old is because it was at the factory multiple times. That was told to me by one of the district trustees. They wanted to get rid of it. Also everyone I have talk says KME is short for Keeping Mechaincs Employed.
#5 by Bill Post on December 26, 2012 - 5:23 PM
FFPM571, I have a shocker for you. The New York City Fire Department just signed a three year contract with KME for 91 engines. The last order for engines for the Los Angeles City Fire Department was for KME as well. I really don’t know how they are working out for them, however a few years ago the San Diego City Fire Department had ordered several KMEs and now they are back to buying Pierces as of the last year or so. Los Angeles County has stayed with KME however. I really don’t know how they are going to work out for New York City considering that they have been using Seagraves since the early 90s and have also been using some Ferraras as of late.
#6 by FFPM571 on December 26, 2012 - 8:33 AM
At least now its nice and close to the KME factory…Probably there more than at the firehouse..