The Tri-State Fire Protection District recently received their second mini-pumper/squad from Crimson (Spartan ERV). Squad 536 is on a 4-dr, Ford F-550 chassis with a 1,250-GPM pump, 306-gallon water tank, and a 21-gallon foam tank (so 10195). Although it is a newer unit for the department than Squad 526 (2012 Ford F-550 4dr/Crimson 200/300 – so 10229), it was built in 2011.
The unit should be in service shortly.
Squad 536 is on a 2011 Ford F-550 4dr chassis. It has a 1,250-GPM pump with 306 gallons of water and 21 gallons of foam. Larry Shapiro photo
Squad 536 has cross-lays above the pump panel. Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
#1 by Martin on September 28, 2012 - 7:57 AM
They’ve probably stopped since peoples are making fun of them about that. Or they remember to do so.
#2 by chris r on September 27, 2012 - 10:43 PM
Tristate also dispatches for WILLOW SPRINGS IL and im not sure if they fastened their seat belt because dont state it everytime they respond to a call .
#3 by Rob on September 27, 2012 - 9:31 PM
What other depts doe’s Tri State dispatch for?
#4 by Tom on September 27, 2012 - 9:26 PM
Does that mean when a medic call comes in, the entire engine crew jumps to the squad? I think jump companies, while not ideal, are a heck of a good idea given tight budgets and trying to get more bang for the buck. I know that up in my neck of the woods, the Saint Paul, MN fire department cross staffs their medic rigs with the engine. For example, if a medic call comes in, the 4 on the engine jump to respond with the medic. From what I’ve been told it works well and they’ve operated that way since the 70s. I think we’ll see cross manning as more of a trend/solution given the state of local government budgets.
#5 by Tri-State Guy on September 27, 2012 - 9:56 AM
Just to help clarify the idea. Yes, Squad 526 and 536 are housed with 521 and 539. If the crew is in quarters and a fire comes in, the regular fire suppression company will respond. The squads are being utilized for ambulance calls, CO calls, and all the other misc. non “fire” related calls. Marco, I have no idea who you talked with, but at no time are we running the squad with two guys and having one stay back.
#6 by Marco on September 27, 2012 - 1:14 AM
And Chuck–
I agree they seem like odd numbers, but I’d guess they were just trying to squeeze every ounce in they could.
#7 by Marco on September 27, 2012 - 1:13 AM
In talking to a TSFPD guy, here is how I believe they’ve got this set up. The squad is a jump company between the suppression piece it’s housed with. When an EMS run comes in in that station’s still district, 2 (of 3 total) members from the suppression company jump to the squad. The third remains behind and if a fire run comes in will drive the suppression piece to the scene and will meet up with other members on scene.
Now, I know that in the past (with just the one squad) EMS calls in Station 1 and Station 4’s district would get the regular suppression piece and an ambulance….no squad. Not sure if this will change now that they’ve got the second squad.
#8 by Brian on September 26, 2012 - 11:20 PM
Not adding more manpower. The squad runs with two behind the ambo instead of running the engine. If while out with the ambo they get a fire, the squad responds and meets the stations engine at the scene. If the squad beats the engine to the scene, they can start an attack, etc since they have water/pump. Also can be used for accidents, etc. Makes a lot of sense with the ever growing number of ambo runs and the wear and tear that such assists put on the engine companies. Use a smaller rig while giving the dept flexibility. Whether you like it or not, it is smart and wouldn’t be surprised to see it happen more often with the economy and the cost of engine companies.
#9 by Ryan on September 26, 2012 - 12:13 PM
Are they adding more manning? Or is this going to be a jump between the Engine/Squad, depending on the call? Thought Station 3 had only manning for an engine and ambulance.
#10 by Tom on September 26, 2012 - 10:47 AM
Does that mean they are taking manpower off of the engines?
#11 by Chuck on September 26, 2012 - 8:25 AM
306 gallons on water? 21 of foam? Seem like odd numbers. I do like the concept of not taxing the engine for EMS runs but also having water to do something if they arrive first.
#12 by Martin on September 26, 2012 - 7:34 AM
Tom, Brian is correct. These are wonderful units for the department.
#13 by Marco on September 26, 2012 - 1:31 AM
I think Brian is on the right track….that’s how TSFPD’s 526 runs right now, and I know they like how it’s working out.
#14 by Mike on September 25, 2012 - 5:56 PM
All belted !!!
#15 by Brian on September 25, 2012 - 4:42 PM
I believe it was reported earlier that these were to run as ambo chasers instead of taxing the engine companies. In the event of a fire, the unit would meet the engine and could pump etc if need be.
#16 by Tom on September 25, 2012 - 3:27 PM
What is this vehicle going to be used for? Will it be staffed?