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Apparatus updates by Jack Lerch Re-printed from Fire Apparatus Journal July-August 1998
The remaining twelve Seagrave units are scheduled for delivery through July and are slated for assignment to Engines 43, 53, 63, 81, 92, 160, 216, 250, 278, 301, and 304, with one still unassigned. They will replace all of the 1986 Mack pumpers still in first line service. An add-on order for twenty-four additional Seagrave pumpers has also been approved.
The 1998 Seagrave 1000-gpm rescue pumper, with compartments on both sides, is slated for delivery during August for Squad 1. An add-on purchase order for one additional Seagrave rescue pumper has also been approved, with that rig slated for Engine 41.
In addition to the thirty-seven Seagrave standard pumpers and two rescue pumpers listed above, specifications have been completed for bidding on a contract for ten more 1000-gpm pumpers.
The FDNY established Rehab Units 1 and 2 effective January 20, 1995, using the former apparatus of Mobile Medical Units I and 2 that were disbanded on that date. Saulsbury built these two identical rigs on 1983 American La France tilt-cab chassis. Later in their career, the designation was changed to Recuperation and Care (RAC) Units. Both of these vehicles have now been taken out of service and replaced by ambulance style vehicles that have been retrofitted to carry misting fans, heaters, blankets, cots, tents and similar type equipment. Their purpose is to establish comfort areas where fatigued firefighters can recover their strength and energy. RAC I has been assigned a 1997 Ford Model E350 Type III van style ambulance with body built by AEV. RAC Units 2, 3, and 5 have been assigned former military 1986 Chevrolet ambulances. RAC 4 has been assigned a 1997 Ford Model E-350 Type III van style ambulance, with an Emergency-One body. RAC Units 3, 4, and 5 are in service only from May 1 to September 30. All five RAC Units normally are manned by one firefighter on each tour and all are part of Special Operations Command.
In addition to the two Type III ambulances at RAC Units 1 and 4, the Department has acquired two other 1997 Ford Model E-350 Type III ambulances. Both are used for special assignments and are not in regular day to day service. One of these has a body by Wheeled Coach, with the other being a Horton.
The Bureau of EMS Emergency Response Squad operated a 1989 Ford/Reading vehicle similar to those used by the NYPD Emergency Services Unit. The personnel assigned to this unit are trained and equipped to deal with patients who have been exposed to hazardous materials, terrorist actions, confined space rescues, and similar unusual situations. The apparatus has recently been given the standard FDNY graphics package, and in addition, has been custom lettered by unit personnel.