The Lingohocken Fire Company designs apparatus to meet community needs

When fire departments take on the responsibility of specing out a new piece of fire apparatus, they rarely look beyond what's already out there. Whether it's the extra time and effort required to design a custom apparatus, or just plain laziness, more often than not departments just make do with a standard design. But some departments are beginning to design custom apparatus that truly address community needs. The Lingohocken Fire Company (LFC) in Bucks County, Pa., is one of them.

A BRIEF HISTORY
The LFC was formed in 1913 to provide fire protection to Wrightstown Township, portions of Buckingham, Upper Makefield and the Village of Wycombe — a bedroom community located 50 miles north of Philadelphia. The LFC's members have always been unusually dedicated to their jobs. In 1950, after being evicted from their old firehouse, the members covered a $17,000 shortfall in funding needed to construct a new station by building it themselves — with their own equipment, materials they obtained for cost and numerous man-hours.

What does this have to do with apparatus? More than 50 years later, the members of the LFC are just as committed to getting their money's worth, and they are doing it in part by designing their own apparatus.

The LFC's response area consists of 26 square miles and a population of 3,000. There is little industry in the area, with the exception of four rock quarries and several small restaurants and shopping centers. The LFC's 45 members respond to 170 alarms annually and also provide first-responder medical service. Only 10 percent of the district has hydrants. Water supply is provided in part by a system of dry hydrants set up around several large ponds, but the LFC also transports water via tankers and uses compressed air foam systems (CAFS) to reduce the amount of water needed to fight fires. 

CAFS IS KEY
In early 2003, when the LFC began to write the specs for two new engines, LFC Chief Wayne Murphy wasn't sold on the idea of including CAFS. "I didn't think it was worth spending an additional $40,000–$50,000 to install it on our apparatus," he says. "It wasn't until I was able to see [CAFS] used at various times, as well as using it myself, [that I was] convinced that this was the way to go."

Another benefit of using CAFS: lighter, more agile vehicles. "Our older engines had 1,000-gallon water tanks, which gave them a greater GVW [gross vehicle weight]," Murphy says. "We had younger members coming up the ranks [who] didn't have that much driving experience, especially with vehicles as heavy as these [older engines] were."

PHOTOS COURTESY MICHAEL SCANLON, LINGOHOCKEN FIRE COMPANY Engine 35, a 2003 E-One Cyclone chassis engine with top-mount enclosed pump panel and CAFS.

The LFC's apparatus committee decided to design the two engines with full CAFS capability and 500-gallon water tanks, thereby reducing the overall weight and giving the vehicles the ability to stretch their water supply. "We liked E-One, since we had previously purchased an E-One Cyclone heavy-rescue [unit] in 1997," Murphy says. "We also had a good rapport with the local E-One dealer, Guardian Fire Equipment." Following the bid process, E-One was awarded the two-engine order.

The LFC's engines feature top-mount enclosed pump panels, so pump operators are protected from all types of weather. The engines also feature Hale 2,000-gpm pumps, 500-gallon polypropylene tanks, Foam Pro CAFS systems, Hydro-Gen 12-kW PTO-driven generators and 50-gallon Class A and B foam tanks, with Class A foam used in both tanks.

"[We use] CAFS all the time when we operate," Murphy says. "It may take us 3–5 miles in either direction before we reach a hydrant. By using the CAFS systems we installed, we can extend the gallonage of our 500-gallon water tanks a great deal."

In addition to the mechanical components, the LFC engines carry 1,500 feet of 5" hose; two 150-foot lengths of 2" preconnects; two 200-foot lengths of 2" preconnects; and 300 feet of 3" preconnects attached to a CAFS Vindicator nozzle. "All of our handlines have Akron Sabrejet 15⁄16" bore nozzles connected," Murphy says. "We also have Kwik Raze low-profile Halogen lights, electric ladder racks and Akron automatically controlled deck guns." The LFC stocks the apparatus in preparation for just about any kind of emergency. "Between our two engines and our heavy-rescue, we carry ice sleds, Paratech air bags, shoring equipment, three dry suits, telescopic rams, a high-pressure cascade system with six 6,000-psi filling bottles, a combi tool and Holmatro rescue tools," Murphy says.

Rescue 35, a 1997 E-One Cyclone chassis with a full complement of Holmatro rescue tools.

 

Engine 95, a 2003 E-One Cyclone chassis engine identical to Engine 35.

In addition to the engines and the heavy rescue unit, the LFC also operates a 1997 Kenworth/S&S tanker with a 750-gpm pump and 3,500-gallon water tank. It is also in the process of designing a new brush truck for the district. "We were lucky to receive a Fire Grant for $120,000," Murphy says. "Our old [brush] vehicle is a 1969 International 4 x 4 that is gasoline powered, has a manual transmission and no seatbelts — not to mention it's top heavy."

After receiving the grant, Murphy started the design process by having his committee investigate the various types of small brush trucks out on the market. The committee decided on a smaller vehicle with a polypropylene body for weight reduction. As for the final design, the LTC is still at work customizing it to fit its exact needs.

Engine 95’s curbside front compartment stores fans, salvage covers and electrical equipment.

Engine 95’s pump panel. The controls on bottom right are for the pre-piped Akron Deckmaster deck gun, PTO generator and floodlighting.

Engine 95’s curbside rear compartment stores extinguishers, spill-control equipment and spare SCBA.

Engine 95’s curbside pump panel/preconnect area.

Engine 95’s top-mount enclosed pump panel.

DESIGNING YOUR OWN
What's the lesson to be learned from the LFC's experience? Design your rig for your response area. Don't skimp on the extras if you can afford them. And most importantly, design for functionality and practicality, not just to keep up with the other departments.

The Lingohocken, Pa., Fire Company
Station 35
Engine 35	2003 E-One pumper with 2,000-gpm pump and 500-gallon tank; CAFS equipped
Tanker 35	1997 Kenworth/S&S with 750-gpm pump and 3,500-gallon tank
Rescue 35	1997 E-One with Holmatro rescue tools
Field 35	1969 International 4 x 4 brush truck
Station 95
Engine 95	2003 E-One pumper with 2,000-gpm pump and 500-gallon tank; CAFS equipped
Special Service 95	1991 Chevy Suburban manpower squad/quick-response medical unit

Bob Vaccaro has 30 years of fire service experience. He is a former chief of the Deer Park (N.Y.) Fire Department. Vaccaro has also worked for the Insurance Services Office® and The New York Fire Patrol. He is currently a senior loss-control representative for a commercial insurance company. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in fire protection administration.