In December of 2007 Chiefs Borland, Drew and Holmes went to the Pierce Factory in Appleton WI, to look at ideas for the then proposed engine. While in WI, they determined that the original idea for the type of chassis was not going to work for this district’s needs. They came back completely rethinking the direction the district would go.

At the same time, there was a group of members who had expressed the need to replace Snorkel 514 due to its age and the increasing maintenance issues. They also brought up the idea of replacing both the engine and the Snorkel with a multi-purpose vehicle, i.e. a Quint. The original idea was a single axle, 75’ model that would be very similar in size and weight as a standard engine.  Unfortunately a single axle had some serious roadblocks, one being that it would be over the State’s weight limits for roadways and it would require getting special waivers and sign offs from the State. This was not a direction management wanted to go, which left the option a tandem rear axle vehicle. This new direction for the Quint concept still was being formed in folks heads with a 75’ aerial ladder. As the movement began to grow towards this idea, the chiefs took the new direction to the board.  The board was initially hesitant due to the complete change in direction, but they were open to looking at the idea. At this point the concept of the Quint matured into an actual idea and crews began researching and compiling pros and cons to the concept. Those who were involved began to find many more pros for our district due to the make up of response, limited personnel, and multipurpose capabilities.

Members began talking with other agencies that were operating Quint units, especially 75’. Nearly across the board they all said that they were great vehicles, but that they wished the ladder was a little longer. With this information it was decided that since we were going to have a tandem axle that we should go with the next larger ladder, this being the 105’. It was reasoned that you can always shorten a 105’, but you can’t add to a 75’ and the addition added only 2’ to the entire length of the unit.  Once this decision was made the idea was again pitched to the board who gave the okay to proceed, but wanted some additional information on training and operations. At that point the committee was appointed by the Chief and it included Chief Drew, Holmes and Captain Jack. The committee looked at other agencies units, their specs and ideas from the manufacturer trying to develop a unit that would most closely meet the needs of this district. The idea was this unit would run first out for the Station 51 area on fires and second out for motor vehicle accidents (MVC's). The unit specification developed from not merely the committee members, but all those who had ideas, suggestions and recommendations. This is truly a district designed unit.

This Quint also required pre training Standard Operating Procedures (SOG’s) development, equipment check requirements and continuing education requirements which were developed and are continuing to be developed by  ENG/PM’s John Maxwell, Barry Nelson, and Larry Merrill. We also had tremendous input from members regarding the importance of National Pride and having a Flag shown prominently on the apparatus and the strongest voices came from ENG/PM Ethan Wilkie and FF/PM Bill Potterf.

The ‘Quint Concept’ allows the agency to provide much more depth in regards to response, especially in the heavy industrial area as well as the heavy urban setting. Crews will be able to determine priority needs in regards to direct fire suppression or truck duties such as opening up, laddering the building, setting up secondary egress. The Quint will also allow provide extra equipment for MVC’s while still allowing us to support fire suppression activities as well as extrication operations in conjunction with Heavy Rescue 513 as the Quint will carry hydraulic equipment such as a ram, combination spreader/cutter, air bags and cribbing.  Another feature that is a first with this unit is the addition of a mechanical siren known as a ‘Fed Q’. This is an audibility issue in that it has the ability to alert individuals even in larger trucks and vehicles with/ extra sounds such as radios. It also has 360 degree protection as well as front & side airbags. For tradition sake only, we were authorized to have a bell mounted to the front gravel guard that will be used for special occasions and parade events.

The basic specifications to Quint 514 are – It’s on a Velocity chassis with seating for 5 and is powered by a Detroit Series 60, 14.0L (855 cubic inch) engine with an Allison Gen IV 6 speed automatic transmission. It is 42’ 11.26” long, 11’ 10 ½” tall, and 98” wide and weighs 63,880 lbs. The pump is a Waterous 2000 gpm single stage pump with/ a Husky foam system; 20 gals of Class A foam and 480 gals of water. Ground Ladder complement is 2 -35’ extension ladders, 1 – 28’ extension ladder, 1 – 16 Roof Ladder, 1 – 14’ Roof ladder, 1 – 14’ Fresno and 1 – 10’ attic ladder. The aerial ladder is a 4 section 105’ steel ladder with the ability to support 500 lbs at the tip any angle flowing 1000 gpm. It also carries 6 pike poles ranging from 6-12’ and 1 trash hook. As for hose is carries 500’ of 3”, 1000’ of 5”, 3 – 200’ 1 ¾” crosslays, 2- 150’ 1 ¾” house bundles and 150” 3” front jump line with a blitzfire monitor capable of flowing 500 gpm. With all this new equipment and this new concept, the district is doing all they can to provide the proper training. In March the Pierce training representative here for three - eight hour training sessions along with providing training in two hour blocks twice a day. Individuals will be able to operate the vehicle once they have gone through all the unit specific task book, driving course, written exam and competencies for use of the apparatus, only non-emergency. To be emergency qualified a member must be certified by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) as an Aerial Operator.

This vehicle will set the stage for re-evaluation of our response strategies as well as a significant positive change in our response to our patron’s fire and emergency needs. For all those who had even the smallest suggestion, input or ideas this vehicle is the results of all of those and it shall be here for decades to come and I feel that this vehicle is one that in ten years no one is going to ask the question “What were they thinking when they got this rig?”. We should all be excited not only regarding this specific piece of apparatus, but where this district is going in regards to both training and response. It is exciting times.

Captain Greg Jack

Quint 514