THIS COLUMN WILL COVER THE NEW deliveries and orders from the regular, on-going contracts. The apparatus being ordered from the emergency purchases following the World Trade Center disaster, are covered in a feature article elsewhere in this issue.

 

Two 1000 gpm Seagrave pumpers, from an add on order to the Seagrave pumpers delivered in 2000, were delivered in mid-September. Originally slated for assignment to Engine Company 69 and the Bureau of Training, they have instead been assigned to Engine Companies 1 and 65. The new pumpers have Detroit Diesel Series 50 engines and Waterous pumps. A 2001 American LaFrance Eagle 1000 gpm pumper was also delivered in September. Originally meant to be on loan for evaluation purposes, FDNY purchased this unit. It has been assigned to Engine Company 34. This is a tilt cab model with spacious seating for a six person crew. The body was built by the R.D. Murray Division of American La France, and has a Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine and Waterous pump. This is the first American LaFrance pumper to enter FDNY service since the fourteen 1983 models. One of those, repainted in October, 1997, is still at the Bureau of Training outfitted as a caisson. It is most likely that the new pumpers assigned to Engines 65 and 34 will be replaced with the high-pressure pumpers now on order. The bid opening for the forty new 1000 gpm pumpers was delayed due to the World Trade Center disaster, but was since awarded to Seagrave. This is for regular budgeted replacements and does oes not include those ordered with emergency funding.

 

Delivery continues on the original order of nineteen 2001 Seagrave 100-foot rear mounts, plus the now approved separate add on contracts of six and four, making a total of 29 new units. Prior to September 11th, the first had been assigned to the Bureau of Training and the next six to Ladder Companies 4, 29, 38, 49, 165 and 173. Ladder 4's apparatus was destroyed and replaced by the one originally at the Bureau of Training. The next one, assigned to Ladder Company 8, was actually delivered to the Shops a day prior to the disaster. The next four were assigned to Ladder Companies 3, 11, 113, and 132, pushing back the eleven listed in a prior

 

issue (Ladder Companies 27, 43, 55, 56, 61, 80, 116,125, 128, 140 and 176) in sequence. Those units have now all either received their new apparatus, or soon will. One will also be assigned to Ladder Company 10. Another new one has already been assigned to the Bureau of Training and is so marked. Five Seagrave 100-foot tillers are also being delivered.

 

The one 2001 Seagrave/Aerialscope 75 foot tower ladder, delivered in September, was an add on contract to the similar 2000 models, and was slated to go to Ladder Company 131 to replace their 1989 Mack/Baker foot tower. Following the World Trade Center disaster, it was assigned to Ladder Company 18. Delivery started in October on the order of eight 95 foot Seagrave/Aerialscope towers, plus add-on contracts for one and four, making a total of thirteen new 95 foot towers being delivered. The first was assigned to Ladder Company 119 replacing a 1989 Mack/Baker 95 foot towerladder.

 

The new 2001 Saulsbury hazardous-materials truck, built on a two‑door Mack MR chassis, was delivered in September for assignment as the first piece of Hazardous Materials Company 1. In size and appearance it is similar to the 1989 Mack/Saulsbury haz-mat that it replaces. The second piece of this two piece company uses a smaller 1996 International / Saulsbury with a rear mounted crane. They respond with an officer and seven firefighters on each tour and are quartered with Squad Company 288.

 

A 2001 Workhorse step van, with Grumman body, has been assigned to the Mask Service Unit, located at the Fire Academy. Instead of carrying bottles, the interior of this truck is outfitted as a mobile repair shop. The Mask Service Unit has also been assigned 2001 and 2002 GMC vans.

 

Bid opening for a contract for thirty nine Ford diesel Excursions was held on October 22nd. They will be used primarily as battalion chief vehicles.

 

In other New York City apparatus news, the Gerrittsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department in Brooklyn, one of ten volunteer units still operating within the city limits, has accepted delivery of a new pumper. Built by Darley on a short wheel base, four-wheel-drive 2001 HME chassis, the apparatus has a 1000 gpm pump, 500 tank, and compressed air foam system.

 

In closing this column, we would like to acknowledge the civilian and uniformed employees of the Fleet and Technical Services Division, under Assistant Commissioner Thomas McDonald, Deputy Director Thomas Curti, Assistant Deputy Director Andrew Diamond at the 35th Street Shops, Deputy Director Michael Felice, Assistant Deputy Director Anthony DeMaio at the 58th Street Shops, Director Robin Mundy Sutton and Deputy Director Mark Aronberg. Over 170 damaged apparatus, cars, light vehicles and ambulances were repaired, re-equipped and retuened to service during a remarkable one week period following the September 11th disaster. Certainly a job well done.