EMFD accepts delivery of new Heavy Rescue 616

On April 19, 2020, the officers and members of East Meadow Fire Department’s Hook & Ladder Company #1, proudly accepted delivery of their new 2020 Pierce Heavy Rescue truck.

The fruits of diligent financial planning by the Board of Fire Commissioners, and the 18 months worth of work by a committee of Hook & Ladder Company members, the rig will move us into the newest phases of technology for heavy rescue emergencies.

Boasting a DD13 Detroit Diesel engine, an Allison transmission, the latest in TAK-4 suspension offering an unprecedented turning radius and superior road handling for a massive 10' 5" height and 37'11" length, the rig looks ready for any emergency.

Its striking blue and gold reflective trim was designed by the committee to display the colors of our community, a right fitting of Hook & Ladder Co # 1, the first East Meadow Fire Company formed on April 3, 1930.

Its interior is designed to comfortably carry 10 Ladder 1 firefighters to any alarm putting their safety first with an array of air bags, and mandated seat belt system.

Equipped with a "Jacobs" brake, the new 616 will see a reduction in wear-and-tear of its brakes, saving money and reducing mechanical down time, with braking system technology that far surpasses the system on the retired 616.

But the latest technology doesn't stop with the fire truck features.

The new 616 is packed with the latest innovations in rescue equipment, that will make the difference at that critical call.

With total of nearly 300,000 lumens of portable and on-board lighting this truck can light up the largest of areas.

Its new line of Hurst "E Draulics" battery operated extrication spreaders (Jaws of Life), cutters, and ram spread bars, will offer superior power and speed of operation, while reducing set up time at a major vehicle accident by as much as 80% with the elimination of a power unit start up, making connections, or deploying hydraulic hose lines.

The new rig has a full array of power saws, handsaws, and specialized man versus machine equipment for deployment at nearly any type of emergency where cutting, prying, pulling, or spreading is needed to save a life.

Scene lighting on the new rig, many with capacities of nearly 20,000 lumens each can be illuminated at the flip of a switch, all drastically reducing setup time, enabling the driver to play an integral role in the actual extrication four to five minutes sooner.

Ready for nearly any heavy rescue, the new rig also boasts a complete set of heavy lift air bags capable of lifting up to 65 tons from its largest bag.

Although set up for rescues, the new 616 is also carefully planned to double as a Ladder Company fire truck with a full compliment of ground ladders, forcible entry tools, breathing air, and pike poles frequently used for fires.

It will carry more than 50 spare breathing air cylinders necessary for extended fire operations meeting the needs of our high rise building fire operating procedures.

The rig also carries a small array of hazardous materials equipment such as gas detection equipment, spill containment, and encapsulating suits.

Replacing the old 616, a faithful unit for more than 25 years, the new rig will be expected to give a timeframe of service equal to the old.

Congratulations to Chief James Walsh, Captain John O'Brien III, and the members of Hook & Ladder Company 1 on your new equipment. A special thanks to the Board of Fire Commissioners, and the Hook & Ladder 1 truck design committee, Chairman Ex Chief John O'Brien Sr., Ex Chief Keith J. Hoffman, Ex Captain Richard S. Malik and Ex Captain John L. Bohl.

John J. O'Brien is an active Ex Chief of the East Meadow Fire Department. He is the District Supervisor of the Jericho Fire District and has over 40 years of Dispatch and Supervisory experience.