Sat Feb 11 2012
by Laura Freeman
Reporter
Hudson -- A few residents gathered on South Oviatt Street and watched as firefighters climbed 100 feet into the air to a platform on top of an aerial ladder as part of their training for a new fire truck.
City Council approved the $928,029 purchase of the fire truck in August 2009. Council member Kristina Roegner voted against the purchase.
The aerial truck is needed for any major fires in the downtown area or homes that are up to 70 feet away from the street, said Fire Chief Robert Carter. The truck also carries ground ladders and other firefighter tools.
The platform allows firefighters to cut holes in roofs to release smoke and heat, and provide aerial rescues if people are trapped.
The 2010 Sutphen SPH100 aerial tower fire truck can reach 100 feet from the ground, Carter said. It is 46 feet in length, which allows it to fit into the city's existing garage and provides easier maneuverability on city streets.
The fire truck must be parked on asphalt or concrete, Carter said. It can be parked on the parking deck in downtown and reach neighboring retail buildings.
The truck was delivered in July and will be put into service in September after most of the 35 volunteers and five staff members have been trained, Carter said. Although much of the training is learning about the truck and its maintenance, each firefighter has to climb up and down the ladder when fully extended if they want to work on the truck. The ladder can be lowered seven degrees below a horizontal position.
The truck has a 300 gallon tank of water and 900 feet of supply hose to connect to a hydrant, Carter said. A hose leads to two nozzles on the platform to spread water over a large area.
One nozzle can be operated from remote control when a fire is too intense for firefighters to get near.
The truck also can provide aerial rescue, with a bucket that can hold 1,000 pounds, said Fire Department Executive Assistant Joe Campbell.
Wireless headsets make it easier to communicate between the three operating positions on the truck, which include the pedestal where the controls for the turntable are located, the platform at the end of the ladder where firefighters work, and the pump panel that controls the hose and flow of water, Carter said.
The new truck replaces a Mack/Pierce 75 foot snorkel truck that was purchased in 1970 and partially rebuilt in 1992. The old truck will be sold at auction.
Hudson participates in mutual aid agreements with neighboring communities and will respond when needed, Carter said. Other communities with aerial platform trucks include Macedonia and Stow. Streetsboro has a ladder but no platform. Cuyahoga Falls, Akron and Solon also have aerial platform trucks.
E-mail: lfreeman@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3150
Comments
By Posting to this site, you agree to our Terms of Service Be polite.
Inappropriate posts may be removed.
Hudsonhubtimes.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post.
Login above or Register to comment.
0 Total Comments Home | Back
Copyright Record Publishing Co, LLC. 1995-2011. All Rights Reserved.
Content may not be republished without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
Content may not be republished without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
Dix Communications