Typically it appears as if the normal process for spec’ing fire apparatus is to design a vehicle and then place the tools and equipment on it the best way possible. Every now and then however, you come across an apparatus that was designed around the tools and equipment it’s going to carry along with its overall mission. Such is the case of the new 2015 Harrisonburg Heavy Rescue built by Pierce.
The vehicle is well equipped on a Pierce Velocity Chassis with features including:
- A 70” cab with 20” raised roof section
- TAK-4 independent front suspension
- Detroit Diesel DD13 500 hp motor with 1650#’s of torque
- A wheel base of 255.5”
- Seating for 5
- Side roll and frontal impact airbag protection
- 26” extended front bumper with a raised tool tray that holds extrication reels and a 25k lb Warn winch
- Advanced electronic Command Zone
- 250 gallons of water. 10 gallons of foam
- 250 gpm hydraulic driven pump
- An overall height of 11’ 6”
- Overall length of 41’ 9”
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The true beauty and art however is the thought process and engineering that went into the rescue style body. Every item carried has a place and there is virtually no wasted space which allows the apparatus to carry all of the above in addition to a extrication equipment, air bags, an air cascade system and compressor, a full set of hand and mechanic tools, an ample amount of cribbing, and the standard compliment of firefighting tools including pike poles, axes, etc. The body also incorporates both high and low 9000 lb rated anchor points for rope operations.
Invariably, someone is going to ask, “Why water on the heavy rescue?” Harrisonburg fills the box with multiple surrounding jurisdictions for both fires and auto accidents. Because of that, they decided they wanted at least a minimal amount of water in case they were to arrive on the scene of either prior to the arrival of an engine company. Due to their thinking outside the box, they were able to do so without compromising compartment space or having to reduce their standard rescue compliment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqV6Efp7CZE