Lexington Fire Department reveals new "Ladder 1"
“Ladder 1” sits outside of Station 1 on E. Center St. {Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
If you’ve driven through the streets of Lexington within the past two weeks, you might’ve seen an unfamiliar sight. It’s a behemoth that weighs over 80,000 pounds, is nearly 50 feet long and bears a red, gold and gray color scheme.
Yes, the Lexington Fire Department has a new firetruck – a new “Ladder 1” to be exact. Entering into “active duty” on October 4, the $1.5 million truck replaces the former “Ladder 1” that had been in operation since 2008. It is now classified as a reserve and can be used when the new truck is getting serviced or there is a need for another aerial on the scene. Proud Lexingtonian LFD Chief Paul Jarrett explained the department’s thought process about the trucks.
“We recently revised the replacement plan for the department's apparatus. The idea is to keep our apparatus in service for 30 years, 15 years of front-line service, and 15 years of reserve service. We moved forward on replacing the ladder when our reserve truck was taken out of service after 62 years of service. It was in need of some major repairs. Working with our fleet staff we realized the scope of the repairs was going to be costly with a lengthy repair time. Knowing the truck would be replaced soon, we felt an investment of that magnitude would not be in the city’s best interest. We were unknowingly fortunate in the timeliness of how it played out. Little did we know a global pandemic was approaching. If we had delayed the purchase contract, the cost of the build would have likely increased by an estimated 15 to 20 percent and the build time would likely exceed two years.”
The department received the truck a few weeks ago and members have been training on it “to become familiar with the controls and get a feel for operations.” Jarrett noted the firefighters are excited about the addition and were eager to receive the truck so they could mount the equipment.
Although the two trucks are similar (both have 100-foot aerial platforms and fire pumps), “Ladder 1” does boast some innovative features including:
1. A 360° camera: Helps the driver and crew maneuver the truck more easily and see what's next to the apparatus. It also will speed up the deployment of the aerial device by providing the driver with an overlayed view of where the outriggers will be deployed. Faster deployment of the aerial device increases efficiency on the scene when every second counts.
2. Faster deployment and operations of the aerial platform due to updated aerial controls
3. Enhanced scene lighting: Improves operations and increases safety around the apparatus at night
When designing the new “Ladder 1,” the team relied heavily on the success of the older truck. Understanding what worked well, they “carried forward similar principles of design and leveraged the technological improvements available today.” The enhancements will improve the department’s working capabilities, which will ultimately result in more efficiency.
“The truck will flow 2,000+ gallons of water per minute from the dual monitors. It has the same reach and capabilities with an improved turning radius, allowing for quicker and better access, along with the 360° camera. The new truck has an improved power train, especially the motor. We have an excellent fleet staff, and they were involved from start to finish in the design. It was really beneficial to have them on board. They understand the needs of our work and the importance of reliability. The primary use of most vehicles is to carry people or materials from one place to another and they are designed to take advantage of the forced air moving through the engine to make it work properly. That's not true for a fire truck. It's intended to do its most challenging work while stationary. Having fleet professionals on board who understand the needs can't be overstated. When considering service delivery, it's a systematic approach. The fire department does the work during an emergency, but the fleet staff keeps us on the road, the street department paves the way and the water department supplies water. Without the entire system, we aren't effective at all.”
One aspect that will prove to be effective over time is adding the color gray to “Ladder 1.” Traditionally, LFD’s trucks have been red or red with a white top. Jarrett disclosed that during one of their preconstruction meetings, someone suggested a gray top. Reluctance rose to the top for the chief until Michael Stepp, a sergeant at Station 3, reminded Jarrett of the labor it takes to maintain the integrity of white paint.
“He asked if I remembered scrubbing the trucks after a major fire, trying to get the soot off the white paint. I immediately agreed to the change. I'm glad we did. It opened up ideas for different color schemes and our folks did a great job with the design. It's been well received within the department and by the community. The retired firefighters I've heard from approve, which is important. Tradition is strong within the fire service and it has its place. We must remember those who came before us to understand where we are today. That's true for the fire service and the community. It's important to honor those memories appropriately. Equally important, is balancing the need for providing the level of service our city provides day in and day out. Our people worked hard to earn the PPC Class 2 rating and work hard every day to improve. We have to look forward to the future, adapt and change to stay current, yet take a moment from time to time to pay homage to tradition.”
Certainly, “Ladder 1” will do just that as it leads the department moving forward.
“The new truck is a fantastic addition to our fleet and will have an impact on future outcomes. I appreciate the investment and confidence the city has placed in its public safety departments.”
All photos by Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart for Davidson Local.
