From the Sycamore FD on Facebook:

Timeline of events for Sycamore’s new Ladder 1.

 

For years, the need for an aerial ladder apparatus has been increasing due to the rapid growth in our community. The Sycamore Fire Department has been operating solely with engine/pumpers that carry water, a water pump, hose, tools and a complement of ground ladders. 

 

According to ISO (Insurance Services Office), it is recommended to have an aerial apparatus if the response area has any of the following:

 

– 5 or more buildings of three stories (32+ feet)

– 5 or more buildings that have a “needed fire flow” (NFF) greater than 3,500-GPM

– At least 5 buildings meeting a combination of those criteria

 

The Sycamore Fire Department covers 62.54 square miles, including many of the above stated structures. Historically, we have relied solely on neighboring towns to utilize their aerial apparatus, which can have a response delay due to distance or pre-existing calls for those departments.  

 

In early April of this year, the sale of a 2022 KME Predator 103’ aerial Quint (essentially, an aerial truck with water pumping capabilities) came to the attention of City of Sycamore officials. 

 

Members of the Sycamore Fire Department fleet team traveled to Bexar Co., Texas, to inspect the quint.  

 

Taking in many considerations of this purchase, including Sycamore’s need for an aerial apparatus, the price of this sale, the need for a new fire engine in the near future, and new fire station #1’s capability to house it, city council approved the purchase of the ladder truck on 4/21.

 

The ladder truck arrived at Sycamore Fire Station 2 on Friday, June 13.

 

Response with an aerial apparatus is different compared to a fire engine, so enhanced training is required before it can officially become in service for emergency response. These vehicles are longer, taller and heavier than fire engines. Operating the ladder can also be challenging due to overhead hazards such as trees, wires or other obstructions, especially at night with poor lighting. Over the past 2 months, our crews have learned all about the truck by a representative from Fire Service Inc. Everyone has had time to maneuver and climb the ladder, drive the truck and equip the truck in preparation of its going into service. Mandatory classroom and practical time for our firefighters to become proficient with operating the truck was accomplished in June and July. 

 

We anticipate Ladder 1 to be officially in service for emergency response in August!

Sycamore FD photo

Sycamore FD photo

Sycamore FD photo

Sycamore FD photo

Sycamore FD photo

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