Archive for June 3rd, 2019

Sycamore Fire Department news

Excerpts from the daily-chronicle.com:

The Sycamore Fire Department has secured most of the money it needs to purchase a half-million-dollar fire engine but wants permission from the city council to find a better deal.

The fire department will seek approval from the council to enter into a cooperative purchasing agreement to get the best possible deal on a replacement fire engine. The department wants to replace its 30-year-old Engine 4 with a newer truck that can hold 3,000 gallons as opposed to the current truck’s 2,000-gallon capacity. The agreement would allow the department to work with government agencies in other states that specialize in government contract proposals to secure more competitive pricing.

The department estimates a new truck to cost $550,000, but the final number could be lower should the department seek outside help. A recently purchased ambulance was $5,000 less because it was bought through a purchasing agreement with a Chicago metro-wide cooperative.

Because of the amount of water on board, Engine 4, is primarily used for fires in rural areas that lack access to fire hydrants. Each of the department’s other two engines carry 1,000 gallons. The rural areas in DeKalb County have grown since 1989, and the department needs a reliable truck that can hold more water.

At the top of the fire department’s list is a Rosenbauer pumper-tender, and it’s seeking approval from the city council to enter an agreement with one of two cooperatives who contract with Rosenbauer America; the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s HGACBuy, a Texas-based cooperative, and Sourcewell, a Minnesota-based cooperative.

The city of Sycamore and the Sycamore Fire Protection District will provide $365,000 of the projected $500,000 needed for the engine. The rest will come from the sale of Engine 4 and current and future Sycamore Fire Department capital allowances.

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Of interest … Collector’s Call

This from metv.com:

“Fire Chief Gordie Norde collects all things fire related. A firefighter for over 4 decades, Gordie has been collecting fire related items for just as long. His extensive collection includes vintage fire extinguishers, historical fireboxes with original inspection cards, fire helmets with shields, and a vintage toy firehouse. Gordie is joined by his good friend and fellow firefighter Ed Bermann. Firefighter collector Frank McMenamin will value Gordie’s collection and he’s brought along a rare model fire truck of his own to see if he can make a trade with Gordie.”

Fire Chief Gordon Nord featured on metv.com Collector's call

click HERE to see the preview

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High angle rescue in Chicago, 6-2-19

This from Eric Haak:

Companies in Chicago’s 6th Battalion had a diffiult rescue situation at 53rd and Union Sunday afternoon (6/2). A tree trimmer was stuck hanging upside down at a reasonable height with a fractured leg. Truck 18 positioned itself to use their ladder to support the victim until Squad 5 and Tower Ladder 39 could arrive and assist. With the man’s weight being supported on 18’s aerial, the slow task of untangling him began. TL39’s basket was eventually maneuvered underneath and the man lowered to safety. The entire process took about 45 minutes. The only access TL39 had was to use a vacant lot that was very soft with the drenching rain we have been having. They used fence posts that were being installed on the lot to stabalize the rig.

injured tree worker dangling upside down from a tree

Eric Haak photo

Chicago firefighters rescued an injured tree series worker dangling from a tree

Eric Haak photo

Chicago firefighters rescued an injured tree series worker dangling from a tree

Eric Haak photo

Chicago firefighters rescued an injured tree series worker dangling from a tree

Eric Haak photo

Chicago firefighters rescued an injured tree series worker dangling from a tree

Eric Haak photo

Chicago firefighters rescued an injured tree series worker dangling from a tree

Eric Haak photo

Chicago firefighters rescued an injured tree series worker dangling from a tree

Eric Haak photo

Chicago firefighters rescued an injured tree series worker dangling from a tree

Eric Haak photo

Chicago FD Tower Ladder 39

Eric Haak photo

Firefighters remove victim in stokes basket

Eric Haak photo

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