Dallas Option Trading Verein

Bitte aktualisieren Sie Ihre Lesezeichen, um darauf zu verweisen: benswarefiretrucksdfwfireapnews. PHP Vielen Dank an alle Feuerwehrleute, Ingenieure, Geräte Betreiber, Häuptlinge und andere Mitglieder der Feuerwehr, die immer so freundlich zu bringen Sie Ihre Geräte für Menschen wie mich und viele dieser Seiten Mitwirkenden. Wir Feuer buffsphotographers wirklich auf Ihre Hilfe, um das Gerät für gute Fotos Position. Ich weiß, Ive gezeigt, an weniger als bequemen Zeiten, und doch haben Sie oft Zeit für meine improvisierten Besuche. Ich versuche immer, den Fotografen von Geräten zu nennen, die hier gezeigt werden. Allerdings ist es nicht immer praktisch, mit dem eigentlichen Foto für alle die anderen, die einen Fotografen erschossen gut gemacht, so wieder, Dankeschön von mir und meine Fotografen Freunde zu geben 2016-12-31 Forestburg Forestburg Freiwillige Feuerwehr hat einen neuen Rosenbauer 3000 Gallonen Neoprenanzünder, 1250 GPM, Zapfpumpensystem, Edelstahlarmatur, verlängerter vorderer Stoßfänger mit 2 jumpline Entladung und Schlauchfach, (2) speedlays mit 2 Sanitär, 3000 Gallone Polybehälter, fol-da-tank Speicherbeifahrerseite, hart Saugschlauch Lagerung durch den Tank, (4) Teleskop-LED 12V Szene leuchtet, Whelen LED-Warnleuchten, 10 hinteren manuellen Newton Dump Ventil, International 7500 Serie 6x4, 2-Türer, 56.000 GVW, 350 PS Navistar N10 Dieselmotor, Allison 3000EVS automatische Übertragung. LKW verkauft von Walter Couch, Daco Fire Equipment. Dank Ed Photo 1. Foto 2. 2016-12-26 Prosper Der neue Motor 2 wurde vor kurzem in Betrieb genommen. Es ist untergebracht in der Prospers neuen Station auf dem westlichen Rand der Stadt weg von US 380. Itsa 2016 Pierce Impel PUC 1500-750-30 Schaum (Pierce Job 29771). Vielen Dank an Lindsay Foto 1. Foto 2. Foto 3. 2016-12-22 Alabama Coushatta Indian Nehmen Sie bald ein Rosenbauer Maverick pumpertanker Gerät, Waterous 1250 GPM PTO Einstufiges Pumpsystem, Edelstahl Sanitär, Rowe CAFS Zapfensystem, Foampro 2002 Einspritzung Schaumsystem mit einem 30 Gallonen Schaumtank, Stoßfänger montiert ferngesteuerten Revolver mit vorderen Stoßfänger Jumpline, Schlauchrolle, (2) speedlay 1-12 Entladungen, vier (2) 2-12 Entladungen, seitlichen Pumpenpanel, FX Maverick-Serie Aluminium-Karosserie mit Robinson-Rolltoren, 1500 Gallonen Polybehälter, 10 hinteres Newton-Dumpventil mit Rosenbauer-Drehsäule, Beifahrerseite oberer Leiterspeicher, unteres Zico 12-Volt-Beifahrerseite Klapptankfach, LED-Warnleuchten, International 4x2, Serie 7500 2-türig Cabchassis, 44.000 GVW, 14.000 Vorderachse, 30.000 Hinterachse, 350 PS Diesel-Motor mit 3000evs Allison Automatikgetriebe, Sitzplätze für zwei (2). Dank Ed bei Daco Feuer-Ausrüstung Foto 1. Foto 2. 2016-12-22 Houston George Bush Intercontinental Flughafen nahm vor kurzem Annahme einer neuen Rosenbauer 101 dreiteiligen hinteren intelligenten Luftplattform, ext 316 extrudierten Aluminiumkörper, hale 2000 GPM einzeln an Rosenbauer Commander 4000 Serie R711 Kundenspezifische Kabine, ITS Rolltek und Front Airbag-Paket, Sitzplätze für fünf, 85.800 GVW, Cummins ISX 15l-550 HP Diesel-Motor, Allison 4500EVS Automatik Getriebe, Weldon V-Mux Elektrik. Der Flughafen nahm auch die Lieferung von ein paar mehr Rosenbauer ARFF LKW. Dank Daco Feuer Ausrüstung Foto 1. Foto 2. Foto 3. Foto 4. Link 1. 2016-12-19 Flower Mound Engine 501 ging am 1. Dezember 2016 in Betrieb. Sein ein 2016 Pierce Velocity PUC 1500-750-20 Schaum (Pierce Job 29800). Dank Lindsay Foto 1. Foto 2. 2016-12-16 Dallas Dallas Love Field Flughafen hat einen neuen Rosenbauer Panther 6x6. Sein markiert als 2, und auf der Luft gehen sie durch Red 2. Dank Garrett Mark Link 1. 2016-12-13 Bedford Lt. Keith Long starb an Krebs 1282016, und wurde zum Auslegen 12132016. Hier sind einige Fotos von der Prozession, die am Pennington Field in Bedford begann und am Grapevine Cemetery endete. Link 1. 2016-11-19 Cedar Hill hat einen neuen Motor 212, der am 15. November 2016 in Betrieb genommen wurde. Sein ein 2016 Pierce Schlag CF PUC 1500-500-30 Schaum (Pierce Job 29624). Vielen Dank an Lindsay Dye Foto 1. Foto 2. 2016-11-19 Ovilla hat eine neue Engine 701, die in Dienst ging 1. Oktober 2016. Sein ein 2016 Pierce Dash CF PUC 1500-750-20 Schaum (Pierce Job 29600). Danke an Lindsay Dye Foto 1. 2016-11-17 Waco hat eine neue Pierce Enforcer Pumpe in den Werken, nach der Siddons-Martin Website. Es wurde gekauft, um einen Motor in einem elektrischen Feuer vor mehreren Monaten ersetzt. Es wird geplant, um Motor 6 zu sein. Sie kauften auch die Siddons Martin spec. LKW, der jetzt an Cedar Hill oder Denton ausgerüstet wird. Es ist ein Enforcer PUC und wird Engine 12 sein. Auf einem anderen Auftrag haben sie einen Enforcer PUC, noch nicht in der Produktion, die zu Engine 4 geplant ist. Dank John Link 1. 2016-11-15 Allen Hat einen neuen Pierce Pfeil XT PUC 105 Leiterwagen. Sein angetrieben durch einen DD13 500 HP Motor und hält 500 Gallonen Wasser mit einer PUC 1500 GPM Pumpe. Der Lkw wird am ersten des nächsten Monats in Betrieb genommen. Dank Aaron Photo 1. 2016-11-13 Somervell County Engine 1 wurde im Oktober 2016 in Dienst gestellt. Es ist ein 2016 International 4400-Spartan ERV Legend 1500-1000 (Spartaner ERV 215171-01). Dank Lindsay Foto 1. Foto 2. 2016-10-29 Euless Arbeitete ein voll einbezogenes Schuppenfeuer. Ich hatte gerade zu Abend gegessen, nicht zu weit, und konnte zu kommen, wie sie ankamen, um einige gute Action-Aufnahmen. Link 1. 2016-10-21 Grapevine EVENT: Heres ein schöner Artikel in der Star-Telegramm über Bemühungen um Geld für die Restaurierung und Reparatur von Weinreben 1928 Modell A. Die Bürger Feuer Akademie Alumni Verein ist Gastgeber ein Catering-Abendessen. Sehen Sie bitte den Artikel für Details. Link 1. 2016-10-09 Rowlett Ladder 3 ging in Dienst am 7-28-16. Es ist ein 2016 E-One Cyclone II 1750-500-500-20 (Schaum) -137 RM (E-One SO 139649). Danke an Lindsay Dye Foto 1. Foto 2. 2016-10-02 Fairview Der neue Truck 751 wurde im September 2016 in Betrieb genommen. Sein ein 2014 Pierce Velocity 2000-500-20 (Schaum) -105 RM (Pierce Job 27508) . Es verfügt über Pierces TAK-4 IRS. Danke an Lindsay Foto 1. Foto 2. Link 1. 2016-10-01 Colleyville Colleyville widmete ihre neue Pierce Impel Engine 242 heute morgen mit einer Push-in-Zeremonie. Hier sind einige der Fotos, die ich gemacht habe. Link 1. 2016-09-29 Flower Mound Heres ein Video darüber, wie Station 6 wird vorübergehend in Argyle Middle School untergebracht, um besser zu dienen die Canyon Falls Bereich. Link 1. 2016-09-29 Granbury hat eine neue Pierce Freightliner Encore Rescue, die nach der Siddons-Martin Website gebaut wurde. Link 1. 2016-09-18 Gun Barrel City Engine 51 wurde im August 2016 in Betrieb genommen. Es ist ein 2016 E-One Typhoon 1750-1000-30 (Schaum) SO 140221. Vielen Dank an Lindsay für die Fotos und Informationen. Foto 1. Foto 2. 2016-09-16 Flower Mound Hat eine neue Pierce (International) Wildland Pumper gebaut nach der Siddons-Martin Website. Link 1. 2016-09-13 Stadtrat von Fort Worth Tagesordnung: Es wird empfohlen, dass der Stadtrat die Ausführung eines Bauvertrags mit RJM Contractors, Inc. in der Höhe von 3.977.500,00 für die neue Feuerwache 42 am Spinks Airport genehmigt Und Verwaltungskosten in Höhe von 1.014.574,01. Die neue Fire Station 42 befindet sich im fernen Süden Fort Worth am Spinks Airport und wird von FM 1187 erreicht. Link 1. 2016-09-12 Irving, Grand Priarie Heres einen Post auf der Stadt Irvings Website über die neue Ausbildungsstätte, die Irving und Grand Prairie sind Gebäude bei 161 und Beltline. Link 1. 2016-09-10 Euless Euless hat eine 100 Plattform von Pierce bestellt, die neben dem derzeit in Produktion befindlichen 105-Stick vorliegt. Dank John 2016-08-30 Fort Worth Theres Artikel in der Star-Telegramm über Fort Worth Police Departments Budget und einige der neuen Fahrzeuge, die sie kaufen möchten. Link 1. 2016-08-29 Balch Springs hat gerade ihren ersten Spartan-Pumper von Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. übernommen. Dieses Gerät verfügt über Spartans Aluminiumgehäuse, wässrige 1500 gpm Pumpe mit Aquis Klasse A Schaumsystem w30 Gallonen Schaum Tank, 1000 Gallone Wasserbehälter, Whelen Pioneer-Szenenbeleuchtung und Whelen LED-Warnleuchten auf einem Spartan Metro Star Chassis mit unabhängiger Vorderradaufhängung, APS (Advanced Protection System) mit Fahrer-Knie - und Lenkradtasche, Offiziers-Knieschützer und Anti-Ausstoßvorhängen. Vielen Dank an Brian Photo 1. 2016-08-29 Benbrook hat gerade ihren ersten Spartan-Pumper von Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. übernommen. Diese Einheit verfügt über Spartans Aluminiumgehäuse, wässrige 1500 gpm Pumpe mit Spartans One-Touch 200 CFM CAFS System wFoamLogic Klasse Ein Schaumsystem w30 Gallonen Schaumtank, 750 Gallonen Wassertank, Whelen Pioneer Szene Beleuchtung und Whelen LED Warnleuchten alle auf einem Spartan Metro Star-Chassis mit APS (Advanced Protection System), die Driver Knie und Lenkrad Tasche, Offizier Knieschützer und Anti - Ejektionsvorhängen. Dank Brian Photo 1. 2016-08-29 Cool-Garner VFD hat gerade ihren ersten Spartan-Pumper von Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. übernommen. Diese Einheit verfügt über Spartans Aluminiumgehäuse, Hale QMAX 1500 gpm Pumpe mit FoamLogic Klasse A Schaumsystem w30 Gallone Schaumtank, 1000 Gallonen Wassertank, Whelen Pioneer Szene Beleuchtung und Whelen LED Warnleuchten alle auf einem Spartan Metro Star Chassis. Dank Brian Photo 1. 2016-08-29 River Oaks hat gerade ihren ersten Spartan-Pumper von Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. übernommen. Dieses Gerät verfügt über Spartans Aluminiumgehäuse, Hale QMAX 1500 gpm Pumpe mit FoamLogic Klasse A Schaumsystem w30 Gallone Schaumstoff Tank, 750 Gallonen Wassertank, Whelen Pioneer Szene Beleuchtung und Whelen LED-Warnleuchten alle auf einem Spartan Metro Star-Chassis mit Unabhängige Vorderradfederung, APS (Advanced Protection System), die Driver Knie und Lenkrad Tasche, Offizier Knieschützer und Anti-Ausstoß umfasst Vorhänge. Dank Brian Photo 1. 2016-08-26 Grapevine Hat einen neuen Pierce Velocity PUC Motor gebaut, nach der Siddons-Martin Website. Ich glaube, dies wird die aktuelle Engine 2. Link 1. 2016-08-26 Irving Eine zweite Pfeil XT Tiller und ein anderes Dash CF PUC-Motor sind in den Arbeiten von Pierce. Link 1. Link 2 2016-08-13 Grapevine Grapevine Engine 4 wurde heute morgen in Station 4 offiziell in Dienst gestellt. Der Pierce Velocity ersetzt den Quint 4, einen Rosenbauer, der nun als Reserve-Truck dient. Link 1. 2016-08-12 Grand Prairie Die Quint 10, wird am 23. in Dienst gehen. Sein ein 2015 Pierce Schlag CF PUC, das 1500gpm, 500 Gallonen Wasser, 20 Gallonen Schaum, hintere Befestigung mit einer 75 Fuß Antenne kennzeichnet. Es läuft aus der neuen Station in der Nähe Joe Pool Lake. Danke an Eric. Foto 1. 2016-08-08 McKinney, CareFlite McKinney, Texas (9. August, 2016) Der McKinney National Airport gab bekannt, CareFlite, ein gemeinnütziger medizinischer Transportanbieter, hat beschlossen, einen Teil seiner Operation auf dem Stadtflughafen zu stützen. McKinney wird seine siebte Basis im DFW-Metroplex sein. CareFlite bringt 29 Mitarbeiter zum Flughafen und besetzt drei Büros in einem bestehenden Hangar. CareFlite wird einen Bell Helikopter am McKinney National Airport basieren. Link 1. 2016-08-05 Cool-Garner VFD hat eine neue Spartan-ERV-Engine von 2016 mit einer 10-Mann-Kabine, 1500 GPM Kapazität. Dank Mineral Wells Index. Bitte folgen Sie dem Link zu ihrer ausführlichen Geschichte. Link 1. 2016-08-05 Denton Hat einen weiteren Pierce Velocity-Motor gebaut, nach der Siddons-Martin-Website. Link 1. 2016-08-05 Blume Mound Hat eine neue Pierce Velocity PUC-Motor gebaut nach der Siddons-Martin Website. Link 1. 2016-08-05 Grand Prairie Heres ein Video über Grand Prairies neue Station 10 am Joe Pool Lake. Link 1. 2016-08-05 Irving hat einen neuen Pierce Pfeil XT Traktor Drawn Aerial (TDA) Tiller gebaut nach der Siddons-Martin Website. Link 1. 2016-07-27 Ferris hat eine neue Bürste 101. Es ist ein rotes 2015 (Erbauer Datum) Ford F-550, Diesel B-20 Power-Stroke-Motor mit einem Wildfire Karosserie Bürste Einheit. Das Fahrerhaus ist ein Stretch-Kabine mit zusätzlichen Elementen für die Rettung und zuerst in der strukturellen Fähigkeit. Es gibt keine Außenreitbereiche, und ein Frontmonitor wird für eine Einzelmitgliedbedienung gelegt, wenn erforderlich. Es ist an der Station 2 untergebracht. Dank Thomas wurde 2016-07-23 Celina Engine 1 im Juni 2016 in Betrieb genommen. Sein ein 2015 Pierce Schlag CF PUC 1500-500 (Pierce Job 28050 Celina Geschäft 16301). Dank Lindsay Foto 1. Foto 2. Foto 3. 2016-07-22 Euless hat einen neuen Pierce Velocity 105 Fuß LKW, der nach der Siddons-Martin Website gebaut wird. Link 1. 2016-07-22 Grand Prairie Hat einen neuen Pierce Arrow XT-Motor gebaut nach der Siddons-Martin-Website. Link 1. 2016-07-22 Waxahachie Hat einen neuen Pierce Dash CF PUC Motor gebaut nach der Siddons-Martin Website. Link 1. 2016-07-18 Irving hat neue Motoren 9 und 10. Motor 9: Pierce Schlag CF PUC 1500-500-40 (Schaum) Pierce Job 29163-01 Irving Shop 05187 Motor 10: 2016 Pierce Dash CF PUC 1500-500 -40 (Schaum) Pierce Job 29163-02 Irving Shop 05188. Danke Lindsay Foto 1. Foto 2. Foto 3. Foto 4. 2016-07-15 Allen Hat einen neuen Pierce Pfeil XT 105 Fuß PUC, der nach den Siddons gebaut wird - Martin Website. Link 1. 2016-07-15 Denton Nach der Siddons-Martin-Website wurde ein neuer Pierce Velocity-Motor gebaut. Link 1. 2016-07-01 Colleyville Ein neuer Impelmotor wird bei Pierce gebaut. Sein Job 29750. Link 1. 2016-06-29 Argyle Ich wurde gebeten, Fotografie eine aktive Shooter-Bohrmaschine in Argyle, und viele lokale Agenturen teilgenommen. Heres ein Album von einigen meiner Fotos. Link 1. 2016-06-26 Rowlett Truck 4 wurde bei einem Unfall beschädigt und in die Fabrik geschickt, um als Ladder 1 renoviert zu werden. Zusammen mit der Karosseriearbeit und einem neuen Lackauftrag, einem neuen LED-Warnlichtpaket, Frontstoßstange mit einem Sprunglinienschacht und eine Boosterrolle wurden hinzugefügt. Eine Motor - und Pumpenüberholung plus Kabineninnenraumarbeit wurde ebenfalls durchgeführt. 2004 E-One Cyclone II 2000-500-75 RM (SO 129090). Dank Lindsay Dye Foto 1. Foto 2. 2016-06-24 Greenville hat einen neuen Pierce Schlag CF PUC Pumper gebaut, nach der Siddons-Martin Website. Sein Job 30129. Link 1. 2016-06-18 Rowlett Die neue Engine 2 in Rowlett ging in Dienst am letzten Mai, 2016 - vor etwa 3 Wochen. Es ist ein 2015 E-One Cyclone II 1750-500-30 (Schaum) (SO 139650). Vielen Dank an Lindsay Dye Foto 1. Foto 2. 2016-06-12 Trophy Club Es gab mehrere Blitz verwandte Hausbrände im Trophy Club Sonntagnachmittag. Mit fast allen Trophy Club Geräten gefesselt auf einem Feuer, mehrere andere Abteilungen arbeitete diese auf Trophy Club. Hier sind einige meiner Fotos. Link 1. 2016-06-11 Dallas Die neue Engine 47 wurde am 26. Mai 2016 in Betrieb genommen. Es ist ein 2016 Spartaner ERV Star Serie Gladiator Classic 1500-500 Klasse A (10) Klasse B (30) Schaum (Spartan ERV 215043- 02 Dallas Shop 15082). Danke an Lindsay Photo 1. 2016-06-04 Arlington Heres ein Artikel in der Star-Telegramm über die neue Arlington Station 5. Link 1. 2016-06-03 Cedar Hill Hat einen neuen Pierce Dash CF Pumper gebaut nach den Siddons - Martin Website. Link 1. 2016-06-03 Sherman Hat eine neue Pierce Impel Pumper gebaut nach der Siddons-Martin Website. Link 1. 2016-05-29 Decatur Ich nehme an, das ist Decatur, TX, aber Im nicht positiv. Es scheint, dass eine schwere Rettung von SVI gebaut wird. Link 1. 2016-05-29 Fort Worth SVIs Website zeigt zwei Geräte für Fort Worth gebaut. Einer ist ein Angriff und der andere ein neuer LKW. Link 1. 2016-05-27 Ovilla Hat einen neuen Dash CF PUC Motor gebaut, laut Siddons-Martin Webseite. Link 1. 2016-05-27 Prosper Nach der Siddons-Martin-Website wird ein neuer Impelmotor gebaut. Link 1. 2016-05-23 Bell Helicopter Hat einen neuen Apparat gebaut. Im nicht sicher, welche Pflanze es zugewiesen werden, aber davon ausgehen, Fort Worth. Sein Aufbau auf einem internationalen Chassis. Link 1. 2016-05-23 Frisco Nach der Siddons-Martin In-Production-Seite wird ein neuer Velocity-Motor gebaut. Sein Job 29730. Link 1. 2016-05-23 Garland Engine 1 wurde am 10. Februar 2016 in Betrieb genommen. Es ist ein 2015 Spartaner ERV Star Series Metro Star Classic 1500-500 (Spartaner ERV 214082-01 Garland Shop 1300459). Dank Lindsay Foto 1. Foto 2. 2016-05-23 RICT Urlaub Hier sind einige Feuerwehr-Fotos von meinem Urlaub nach Rhode Island und Connecticut 5192016-5222016. Sein sehr nettes oben auf diese Weise und theres einige große Geschichte. Link 1. 2016-05-21 Cresson Freiwilliger Feuerwehr Cresson kündigt stolz die Eröffnung der Cresson Station 2 an, die sich im Eingang zu den Bourland Field Estates, 17999 US 377 South in Cresson befindet. Open House 10AM zu 3PM 21. Mai 2016 nach dem Star-Telegram Artikel. Link 1. 2016-05-19 Grapevine Nach dem Mittagessen schwang ich durch ein 3-Alarm-Apartmentfeuer in Grapevine. Es gab viel gegenseitige Hilfe, eingeschlossen Lewisvilles neue Maschine 5. Fotos sind an der Verbindung. Foto 1. 2016-05-14 Colleyville öffnen Haus auf SAMSTAG, MAI 14. 10am zu 1pm. Es gibt Stationstouren, CFD-Fahrzeuge auf dem Display und Demonstrationen von firerescue Aktivitäten wie Fahrzeug-Extrusion, sowie Spiele für die Kinder. An der zentralen Feuerwache, 5209 Colleyville Blvd 2016-05-08 Lewisville Hier ist neuer Motor 165 in Lewisville. Es ging in Dienst am 25. April 2016. Sein ein 2016 Pierce Impel 2000-750 (Pierce Job 29098-02). Vielen Dank an Lindsay für die Bilder und Infos. Foto 1. Foto 2. Foto 3. 2016-05-07 Fort Worth Bob Bolen Öffentlicher Sicherheitskomplex Offenes Haus - 7. Mai 2016 10AM to 2PM, 505 W. Felix St. Freie Hot Dogs und Hamburger, Facility Tours, Demonstrationen, Kids Stuff und vieles mehr. Klicken Sie auf Foto 1 für flier. Das hat Spaß gemacht. Schauen Sie sich den Link für einige meiner Fotos von der Veranstaltung. Die neue Quint 35 (Smeal 105) war stolz fliegen die amerikanische Flagge. Foto 1. Foto 2. Foto 3. Foto 4. Link 1. 2016-05-07 Indianapolis, Payne Spri Der andere Tag, hörte ich Irving zu einem Vorfall geschickt. Ich zog herauf Google Maps, um zu sehen, was im Bereich mit der satelliteaerial Ansicht war. Neben dem öffentlichen Lager, wo der Vorfall war, fiel mir etwas ins Auge. Es schien, ein Tiller (AKA Traktor Drawn Aerial oder TDA) Feuerwehrauto im Bild zu sein. Umschalten auf Street View gab einen etwas besseren Winkel, aber ich war noch nicht sicher. Hobby-Crossover über eine Fahrradtour, und ich konnte eine bessere Aussicht bekommen. Sicher genug, hat Pionier-LKW und Ausrüstung einige Löschfahrzeuge in ihrem Yard. Ich sprach mit Mark, und er erzählte mir, dass der Ruderpinscher aus Indianapolis war, und er hatte es ungefähr ein Jahr, aber es war komplizierter, es zertifiziert zu bekommen, als erwartet. Er sagte, es läuft noch. Wie auch immer, ich dachte, es war ein interessanter Fund, und ich habe es genossen, so zu kommen. Wenn youre, das einen Nahrungsmittel-LKW, Weihnachtslichthängen oder Nutzfahrzeug-LKW macht, wette ich, dass Sie diese sehr preiswert erhalten können. Heck, ich dachte, sie könnten zu blockierenden Lastwagen für eine NTE oder etwas umgewandelt werden Foto 1. Foto 2. Foto 3. 2016-05-02 Fort Worth Heres ein Foto von der neuen Quint 35, ein Smeal. Es hat nicht das Firmenlogo noch. Im sagte, dass wird ziemlich ordentlich. Danke an den Besucher, der dieses Foto eingereicht hat. Foto 1. 2016-04-20 Fort Worth Das neue FWPD Heliport-Gelände am Meacham International Airport wird am 20. April 2016 offiziell eröffnet. Das Heliport beherbergt die Fort Worth Police Departments Air Support Unit, die derzeit zwei Hubschrauber umfasst. Die Heliport-Adresse ist 310 Gulfstream Road. Die 5,2 Millionen Projektkosten wurden durch das Kriminalitäts - und Präventionsgebiet finanziert. Personal fing an, in neue Anlage im Januar 2016 zu bewegen. 2016-04-16 Springtown, Aledo Dank Clay Crawford bei Springtown FD für das Nehmen der Zeit am Ende eines langen Arbeitstages, zum mir Station zu zeigen und mich einige Fotos zu hängen. Link 1 geht auf meine Facebook-Seite mit einem Album von allen Fotos, die ich erschossen habe. Link 2, Liste der letzten Uploads auf dieser Website, die derzeit Springtown ist. Dank Clay Photo 1. Foto 2. Foto 3. Foto 4. Link 1. Link 2 2016-04-15 Natalia Die Natalia Freiwillige Feuerwehr nimmt ihren dritten Rosenbauer CAFS Pumper. Der LKW ist das Rosenbauer Commander 3000er Custom 4-türige 316 Aluminium 60 Kippfahrgestell mit einem 11 erhöhten Dach, angetrieben mit einem 400 PS Cummins ISL Motor 3000EVS Allison Automatikgetriebe mit einem 53.000 GVW. Eine 1250 GPM-wässrige Einstufenpumpe ist mit dem CAFS-Schaumsystem Odin 200-SP mit einem Foampro-Einspritzsystem ausgestattet. Der LKW hat die FX-Serie Aluminium-Körper mit Rettung Stil Fach, Robinson Rolltore, hydraulische Leiter Rack auf der Beifahrerseite. Ein 1500 Gallonen Poly-Tank und 30 Gallonen Schaumzelle eingerichtet ist. Vielen Dank an Ed. Foto 1. Foto 2016-04-12 Arlington Stadtrat Agenda Item: Genehmigen Sie den City Manager oder dessen Beauftragten, den Kauf von aktiven Schützenausrüstung für die Feuerwehr in der Gesamtmenge von 171.562,20 zu genehmigen. 193 ballistische Westen mit W. W. Grainger, Inc. durch die interlokale Vereinbarung mit der Nationalen Intergovernmental Purchasing Alliance (IPA) in der geschätzten Menge von 100.861,38. 269 ​​spezialisierte medizinische Kits mit Bound Tree Medical durch einen interlokalen kooperativen Einkaufsvertrag mit der Stadt Grand Prairie in der geschätzten Höhe von 70.700,82. Link 1. 2016-04-12 Stadtrat von Arlington Tagesordnungspunkt: RECOMMENDATION Genehmigung der Aushandlung und Durchführung eines Abkommens mit der RPGA Design Group, Fort Worth, Texas, für Entwurfsleistungen im Zusammenhang mit der Renovierung und Ergänzung der bestehenden Feuerwache 12 Anlage in einer Höhe von nicht mehr als 183.300. VORHABEN UND TÄTIGKEIT DES RATES Am 22. März 2016 genehmigte der Rat die Resolution 16-048 zur Genehmigung des Bauleiters bei der Risk-Service-Bereitstellungsmethode für den Bau einer neuen Ergänzung und Umbau der bestehenden Anlage für die Feuerwache 12. Link 1. 2016- 04-12 KME KME Feuer und Rettung, in Nesquehoning, Carbon County, PA, wird von Orlando, Florida-basierte The Rev Group gekauft. Lesen Sie mehr von WFMZ. Link 1. 2016-04-06 Lewisville Heres ein Lewisville Leader Artikel von Heather Goodwin auf Lewisvilles neue Pierce Impel Engine 164. Es ging in Dienst Montag. Link 1. 2016-04-05 Richardson Der neue Motor 4 wurde in der Woche vom 28. März 2016 in Betrieb genommen. Er ist ein 2015 E-One Quest Gen II 2000-500-30 (Schaumstoff) (E-One SO 139390). Vielen Dank an Lindsay und A shift Foto 1. Foto 2. Foto 3. 2016-03-29 Fort Worth Ein Besucher hat diese Fotos mit dem Gerät Fort Worths Station 44 geteilt. Station 44 dient Meacham Airport, so sein Zugang und das Teilen dieser Fotos sehr geschätzt wird. Dank Scott Photo 1. Foto 2. Foto 3. 2016-03-26 Bryan Has hat gerade die Lieferung eines weiteren Spartan ERV Pumper von Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. Diese Einheiten verfügt über Spartan ERVs Aluminium Star Series Körper mit intelligenter Lagerung, wässrige 1500 gpm Zwei-Stufen-Pumpe, 500 Gallonen Wassertank, Hale Foamlogic Schaumsystem W30 Gallone Schaum Tanks, Whelen Pioneer Szene Beleuchtung und Whelen LED-Warnleuchten alle auf einem Spartan Metro Star-Chassis mit APS (Advanced Protection System), die Driver Knie und Lenkrad Tasche enthält , Offiziers-Knieschutzbeutel und Anti-Ausstoßvorhänge sowie ein 450 PS starkes Cummins-Kraftwerk. Dank Brian Photo 1. 2016-03-26 Midland hat gerade ihre ersten zwei (2) Spartan ERV Pumpen von Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. übernommen. Diese Geräte verfügen über Spartan ERVs Aluminium Star Series Körper mit intelligenter Lagerung, wässrige 1750 gpm Pumpe , 750 Gallonen Wassertank, wässrige Pneumax SP 200 CAFS mit Foam Pro 3012 AB Schaumsystem w30 Gallonen Schaumbehälter, Whelen Pioneer Szene Beleuchtung und Whelen LED Warnleuchten alle auf einem Spartan Metro Star Chassis mit APS (Advanced Protection System), die Driver Knie enthält Und Lenkradtasche, Offiziers-Knieschützer und Anti-Ausstoßvorhänge sowie ein 450 PS starkes Cummins-Kraftwerk. Dank Brian Photo 1. 2016-03-26 Sheridan hat gerade die Lieferung eines weiteren Spartan ERV Pumper von Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. Diese Einheiten verfügen über Spartan ERVs Aluminium Star Series Körper mit Smart-Storage, Hale 1250 Gpm zweistufige Pumpe, 1000 Gallonen-Wassertank, Whelen-Notbeleuchtung an einem internationalen 4400 2-türigen Chassis. Danke an Brian Photo 1. 2016-03-14 Haltom City arbeitete an diesem Morgen eine 2 Alarm-Autowerkstättenfeuer. Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, Watauga und Bedford zur gegenseitigen Hilfe auf der Bühne. Hier sind einige der Fotos, die ich gemacht habe. Link 1. 2016-03-14 Watauga Arbeitete ein Hausfeuer auf Murel Dr mit North Richland Hills, Haltom City und Keller. Hier sind einige meiner Fotos Link 1. 2016-03-11 Fort Worth, Euless Fort Worth und Euless arbeitete ein 1 Geschichte Hausfeuer im 13000 Block von S. Pipeline. Hier sind einige der Fotos, die ich gemacht habe. Link 1. 2016-03-07 Cleburne hat gerade einen Auftrag für ihre dritte Spartan Pumper von Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. Diese Einheit verfügt über Spartans Aluminium-Gehäuse mit Smart-Speicher, Hale QMAX 1500 Gpm Pumpe mit FoamLogic Klasse A Schaumsystem w30 Gallone Schaumstoff Tank, 750 Gallonen Wassertank, Akron Scene Star Szene Beleuchtung und Whelen LED Warnleuchten alle auf einem Spartan Gladiator Chassis mit APS (Advanced Protection System), die Driver Knie und Lenkrad Tasche, Offizier Knieschützer und Anti-Ausstoßvorhänge umfasst. Dank Brian 2016-03-07 Cooper hat gerade einen Auftrag für ihren ersten Spartan Pumper von Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. Diese Einheit verfügt über Spartans Aluminiumgehäuse, Hale QMAX 1500 gpm Pumpe mit FoamLogic Klasse A Schaumsystem w30 Gallone Schaum Tank, 1000 Gallonen-Wassertank, Whelen-Pioneer-Szenenbeleuchtung und Whelen LED-Warnleuchten auf einem Spartan Metro Star-Chassis mit APS (Advanced Protection System) mit Fahrer-Knie - und Lenkradtasche, Offiziers-Knieschützer und Anti-Ausstoßvorhängen. Dank Brian 2016-03-07 Euless, Arlington Im das Teilen einiger Fotos von Euless Polizeibeamten Hofers Feier des Lebens Prozession und Dienstleistungen, die stattfanden 352016. Sein Ende der Uhr war 312016. Grand Prairie Quint 10 und Arlington Engine 12, beide Neuankömmlinge Sind im Album enthalten. RIP 554 Link 1. 2016-03-07 Sunnyvale hat gerade ihren ersten Spartan-ERV-Pumper von der Firma Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. übernommen. Diese Einheit verfügt über einen Spartan ERV-Aluminiumkörper, eine Hale-Seitensteuerung mit 1500 Gramm Pumpe und ein Schaumsystem der Hale Foamlogic Klasse A Mit 30 Gallonen Schaumtank, 750 Gallonen Wassertank, Whelen Pioneer Szene Beleuchtung und Whelen LED Warnleuchten auf einem Spartan Metro Star Chassis mit APS (Advanced Protection System), dass Driver Knie und Lenkrad Tasche, Offizier Knieschützer und Anti-Ausstoß umfasst Vorhänge und ein 450hp Cummins-Kraftwerk. Metros Machen Sie bereite Geschäft kundenspezifische anbrachte alle SFDs Ausrüstung einschließlich Radios. Danke an Brian Photo 1. 2016-03-05 Grand Prairie Ich habe es nicht realisiert, als ich die Fotos gestern beim Euless-Polizeibeamten David Hofers Celebration of Life gemacht habe, dass ich Grand Prairies, neue Quint 10, für die neue Station 10 gefangen habe Pierce Soweit ich weiß, ist die Station noch nicht geöffnet. Foto 1. Foto 2. Foto 3. Link 1. 2016-03-01 Arlington Council Agenda Item: Kauf von zwei Pickup Trucks für die Feuerwehr (MO03012016-001) Genehmigen Sie den City Manager oder dessen Beauftragten, zwei Pickup Trucks für die Fire Department von Caldwell Land von Caldwell, Texas, durch die Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative (TLGPC) in der geschätzten Menge von 71.634, und führen alle Dokumente, die für die Durchführung solcher Kauf erforderlich sind. Funds sind im Fleet Services Account Nr. 790101-68200 erhältlich. Dieser Kauf ist für zwei 2016 Chevrolet 1500 Silverado Pickup Trucks für die Feuerwehr. Link 1. 2016-03-01 Fort Worth Es wird empfohlen, dass der Stadtrat den Kauf eines Re-hab LKW von Sam Packs Fünf-Sterne Ford, Ltd. genehmigt. Dba Sam Packs Fünf-Sterne Ford. Die Polizeiabteilung wird diesen Re-hab LKW benutzen, um korrekte Hydratation und Nahrung für erste Responder während der großräumigen Fälle sicherzustellen. Der LKW wird mit kalten und heißen Kastenfächern ausgerüstet, um vorverpackte Nahrungsmittel und Getränke zu speichern. Foto 1. Link 1. 2016-03-01 Fort Worth Es wird empfohlen, dass der Stadtrat den Kauf eines schnellen Einsatzfahrzeugs von Sam Packs Five Star Ford, LTD, dba Sam Packs Five Star Ford, in der Höhe von 64.842,00, Mit Texas Smartbuy Kooperationsvertrag Nr. 071-072-AT 2014 für die Polizeiabteilung. Die Polizeibehörde wird dieses schnelle Einsatzfahrzeug benutzen, um das Spezialwaffen - und Taktik-Team zu fortwährenden oder lebensbedrohlichen Situationen in der ganzen Stadt zu transportieren. Foto 1. Link 1. 2016-02-25 Bedford Die Bedford CFAAA ist mit einem Dine Spenden Spendensammler 25. Februar 2016 am Texas Roadhouse in Bedford. Sehen Sie bitte den Flieger, und betrachten Sie, eine Mahlzeit dort zu genießen an diesem Tag. Foto 1. 2016-02-23 Arlington Theres ein neuer Apparat auf dem Stadtrat Agenda für 2232016. Theres nicht viel auf Details, aber ich nehme an, es zu einem anderen Smeal hinteren Antenne, ähnlich der jüngsten Luftkäufe sein. Genehmigen Sie den Stadtverwalter oder seinen Beauftragten, den Kauf eines Feuergerätes mit Scott Fire Apparatus durch das Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) kooperatives Einkaufsprogramm in einer Menge zu genehmigen, die 931.784 nicht übersteigt. Link 1. 2016-02-15 Bonham Truck 1 wurde am 8. Februar 2016 in Dienst gestellt. Sein ein 2015 Rosenbauer Commander 1500-480-20 (Schaum) -78 RM (Rosenbauer 739515). Vielen Dank an Lindsay für die Fotos und Infos. Foto 1. Foto 2. Foto 2016-02-15 DeSoto Gerade nahm die Lieferung eines weiteren spartanischen Pumpers von der Firma Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Diese Einheit verfügt über Spartans Edelstahlgehäuse, 500 Gallonen Wassertank, wässrige 1500 gpm Pumpe, Foam Pro 2002 Klasse A Schaum System mit einem 30-Gallonen-Schaumstofftank, extremen Einsatzinterieurs, Whelen M6 Notbeleuchtung und Pioneer-Szene leuchtet auf einem Spartan Metro Star-Chassis mit APS (Advanced Protection System), dass Fahrer und Offizier Knieschützer, Fahrer Lenkrad Tasche und Anti-Ausstoß umfasst Vorhänge. Vielen Dank an Brian bei den Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists. In Betrieb 1272016. Spartan ERV 214114-01. Zusätzliche Fotos von Lindsay Dye Foto 1. Foto 2. Foto 3. Foto 4. Link 1. Link 2 2016-02-09 Coushatta Indian Nation Vor kurzem gekauft ein Rosenbauer Maverick pumpertanker Apparat, wässrige 1250 gpm PTO einstufige Pumpensystem, Edelstahl-Sanitär , Rowe CAFS System, Foampro 2002 Einspritzung Schaumsystem mit einem 30 Gallonen Schaumstofftank, Stoßfänger montiert ferngesteuerten Revolver mit vorderen Stoßfänger Jumpline, Schlauchrolle, (2) Speedlay 1-12 Entladungen, vier (2) 2-12 Entladungen, Seitenmontage FX Maverick Serie Aluminium-Karosserie mit Robinson Rollup Türen, 1500 Gallonen Poly-Tank, 10 hintere Newton Dump-Ventil mit Rosenbauer Schwenk-Dump, Beifahrerseite oberen Leiter Lagerung, unteren Zico 12 Volt Beifahrerseite Klapptank Fach, LED-Warnleuchten, International 4x2 , 7500 Serie 2-Türer, 44.000 GVW, 14.000 Vorderachse, 30.000 Hinterachse, 350 PS Diesel-Motor mit 3000evs Allison Automatikgetriebe, Sitzplätze für zwei (2). Bundes-Signal-Backup-Kamera mit 7 Bildschirm, AMFM Wetterband Radio. Vielen Dank an Ed bei Daco Feuerausrüstung Foto 1. 2016-02-09 Forestburg, TX Die Forestburg VFD kaufte vor kurzem einen Rosenbauer 3000 Gallone Wetside kommerziellen pumpertanker, Aluminiumkörper mit seitlichem Einfassung Bedienfeld, Whelen LED Warnlichter, harter Saugschlauch Speicher durch die body, 10 rear Newton dump valve and swivel dump, 3000 gallon drop tank mount on passenger side, Whelen scene lights, International 2-door, 7500 series tandem axle chassis, 350 hp Navistar diesel engine, Allsion 3000EVS automatic transmission, 16,000 front axle, 40,000 rear axle. Thanks to Ed at Daco Fire Equipment. Photo 1. 2016-02-09 Lubbock Three Rosenbauer custom top mount pumpers with 1250 gpm single stage Hale pumps, stainless steel plumbing, Rosenbauer Minnesota EXT extruded aluminum bodies with Robinson Rollup doors, 500 gallon poly UPF tank, Foampro system with a 30 gallon A and B tank, Rosenbauer Greenstar IRT diesel power generator, Command Kl450 light tower, Commander 70 4000 series 11 raised roof cabs, Cummins ISL 450 HP diesel engines, 3000EVS Allison transmissions, 44,000 gvw, Weldon V-Mux electrical system. Thanks to Ed at Daco Fire Equipment 2016-02-08 Bonham A new fire truck will officially be placed in-service Monday February 8, 2016 at 4:30 p. m. Truck 1 will be pushed into the fire station keeping with a long time tradition within the fire service. The public is invited to attend. Truck 1 is a new 78 Rosenbauer aerial that cost 707,576. Photo 1. Link 1. Link 2 2016-02-08 Celina Received their new Pierce Engine 1, according to a 1282016 Facebook post. Thanks to Russell Photo 1. Photo 2. 2016-02-04 Arlington Just took delivery of two more Spartan pumpers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Both units features Spartans stainless steel body, 750 gallon water tank, Waterous 1250gpm pumps, Foam Pro 2002 class A foam system with a 30 gallon foam tank, Extreme duty interiors with Sparliner spray on bed liner, Whelen M6 emergency lighting and Pioneer scene lights on an a Spartan Metro Star chassis with APS (Advanced Protection system) that includes driver and officer knee bags, driver steering wheel bag and anti-ejection curtains. Thanks to Brian MFAS Photo 1. 2016-02-04 Chapel Hill Just took delivery of a Spartan pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Spartans aluminum body, 1000 gallon water tank, Waterous 1500 gpm pump, Spartans One-Touch CAFS system with a 30 gallon foam tank, Extreme duty interiors with Sparliner spray on bed liner, Independent front suspension (IFS), Whelen M6 emergency lighting and Pioneer scene lights on an a Spartan Metro Star chassis with APS (Advanced Protection system) that includes driver and officer knee bags, driver steering wheel bag and anti-ejection curtains. Thanks to Brian at Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2016-02-04 Port Aransas Just took delivery of a Spartan pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Spartans aluminum body, 1000 gallon water tank, Hale QMAX 1500 gpm pump, Spartans One-Touch CAFS system with a 30 gallon foam tank, Extreme duty interiors with Sparliner spray on bed liner, Whelen M6 emergency lighting and Pioneer scene lights on an a Spartan Metro Star chassis with APS (Advanced Protection system) that includes driver and officer knee bags, driver steering wheel bag and anti-ejection curtains. Thanks to Brian at Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2016-02-01 Garland Heres another shot of Engine 6, which went into service on 1-27-16. Two other engines like this will be going into service at Station 1 Station 8. These are not yet in service. E6 is a 2015 Spartan ERV Star Series Metro Star Classic 1500-500 (Spartan ERV 214082-02 Garland Shop 1300460). Photo 1. Photo 2. 2016-01-28 Fort Worth The new Station 17 went into service 1252016. I stopped by today and took a few shots. It features 3 fire poles, stairs, and an elevator for the 2 story 4 bay station, located along side the new public safety training facility. Thanks to the shift today for welcoming in. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Photo 4. Link 1. Link 2 2016-01-07 Bedford Bedford worked at Hazmat incident at 2100 Reliance Pkwy with the help of several other departments. Here are some photos from the incident. Link 1. 2016-01-06 Benbrook, Eagle Moutain Tarrant County (Benbrook and Eagle Mountain) - Just took delivery of two more Spartan tankers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Both units features Spartans aluminum body, 3000 gallon water tank, Waterous 1250gpm pumps, Spartans One-Touch CAFS systems with a 75 gallon foam tank, Extreme duty interiors with Sparliner spray on bed liner, Whelen M6 emergency lighting and Pioneer scene lights on an a Spartan Gladiator chassis with APS (Advanced Protection system) that includes driver and officer knee bags, driver steering wheel bag and anti-ejection curtains. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. Photo 2. 2016-01-06 Northwest VFD Just took delivery of a SuperVac Rehab from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features SVIs 22 aluminum body, Onan 25kw PTO generator, Bauer cascade system, full restroom, 110v RV AC, small command center, extreme duty interiors with Sparliner spray on bed liner, Whelen M6 emergency lighting and Pioneer scene lights on an a Spartan Metro Star chassis with APS (Advanced Protection system) that includes driver and officer knee bags, driver steering wheel bag and anti-ejection curtains. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2016-01-01 Ben Saladino Follow the link to some recent interesting radio calls that Ive heard, and also some information Id like to pass along about public safety two-way radios. Photo 1. 2015-12-27 Irving Engine 8 went into service November, 2015. Its a 2014 Pierce Dash CF PUC 1500 gallon, 500GPM (Pierce Job 27550-003 Irving Shop 05175). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2015-12-26 Ellis County Heres a snapshot of some of the new equipment for Ellis County EMS. Thanks to Justin Photo 1. 2015-12-26 Lancaster The new Engine 351 went into service in November. Its a 2015 Pierce Impel 1500-750 (Pierce Job 28581 Lancaster Shop 1508). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2015-12-21 American Eurocopter It appears that Rescue 2 has been painted or wrapped. My guess is because of the name change from Eurocopter to Airbus Helicopters. Thanks to Mark for sending in the first photo. The 2nd photo is one I took in June 2016. If you have more information or corrections to this, please let me know. Photo 1. Photo 2. 2015-12-17 Irving Truck 7 went into service in February, 2015. This is the only dry truck (no pump or tank) in Irving. It is a 2014 Pierce Dash CF 105 foot RM (Pierce Job 27549 Irving Shop 05176). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. Photo 2. 2015-12-14 Plano The new Truck 4 went into service on November 30, 2015. It is a 2014 Rosenbauer Commander 4000 FX Aerial 1250GPM, 300 gallon,101 foot Rear mount platform (Rosenbauer 7374 Plano Shop 14405). Many Thanks to Lindsay Dye (contributor of the year again :) ). Photo 1. Photo 2. 2015-12-08 McKinney The new Truck 2 went into service October, 2015. Its a 2015 E-One Quest 2000-500-100 RM (SO 139416 McKinney Shop 1528). Thanks to Lindsay for the photo and information. Photo 1. Photo 2. 2015-12-05 Euless Euless worked a 2 Alarm apartment fire with 4 rescues Saturday morning. Bedford, Colleyville, DFW Airport, Grapevine, and Haltom City provided mutual aid on scene. Here are a few of my photos. Link 1. 2015-12-01 North Richland Hills Station 5 is now open with the old Truck 223 at 7202 Dick Fisher, where there use to be a station. Link 1. 2015-11-30 Dallas Station 27 will be operational this week and will have its grand opening ceremonies Dec. 10. Festivities begin at 9 a. m. according to the Dallas Morning News article at the link. Link 1. 2015-11-30 Fort Worth Heres an article in the Star-Telegram about Fort Worths new public safety training facility. Link 1. 2015-11-28 Addison A new Quint 102 went into service on October 31, 2015. Its a 2015 Sutphen Monarch Model SL75 1500-500-75 MM (Sutphen HS-5618). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. Photo 2. 2015-11-23 McKinney The new Engine 4 went into service on November 16, 2015. Its a 2014 E-One Quest 2000-500 (SO 138853 McKinney Shop 1525). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. Photo 2. 2015-11-18 Arlington Has just placed an add-on order for two Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 1250 gpm pump, 750 gallon water tank, Foam Pro 2002 foam system w25 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with APS (Advanced Protection System) that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains and a 450hp Cummins power plant. Delivery is expected in September 2016. 2015-11-18 Canton Has just taken delivery of their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs aluminum Legend body, Waterous side control 1500 gpm pump with a Waterous Aquis class A foam system with 30 gallon foam tank, 1000 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with Independent Front Suspension (IFS), APS (Advanced Protection System) that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains and a 450hp Cummins power plant. Metros Make ready shop custom mounted all of CFDs equipment including radios. Photo 1. 2015-11-18 Desoto - Has just placed an order for their first Spartan 103 quint from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit will feature Spartans aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 2000 gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, Foam Pro 2002 foam system w30 gallon foam tank, Harrison 10kw generator, Spartans Greasless 103 ladder, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis with APS (Advanced Protection System) that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains and a 550hp Cummins power plant. Delivery is expected in November 2016. Photo 1. 2015-11-18 Garland Has just placed an order for their first Spartan 75 quint from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit will feature Spartans aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 1500 gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, Foam Pro 2002 foam system w30 gallon foam tank, Harrison 10kw generator, Spartans Greasless 103 ladder, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis with APS (Advanced Protection System) that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains and a 550hp Cummins power plant. Delivery is expected in November 2016. Photo 1. 2015-11-18 Garland Just took delivery of their first three Spartan ERV pumpers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. These units will feature Spartans Star Series aluminum body with Smart Storage, 1500gpm Waterous pump, 500 gallon water tank, Foam Pro 2002 class A foam system with 30 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lights and Whelen M series warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star LFD chassis with APS (Advance Protection System) that includes driver and officer knee bags, driver steering wheel bag and anti-ejection curtains. Metros make ready shop will install all of GFDs equipment utilizing Performance Advantage brackets and custom designed organizers for several compartments. Photo 1. Photo 2. 2015-11-18 Groesbeck Has just placed an order for their first Spartan pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartans aluminum Legend body, Waterous side control 1500 gpm pump with a Waterous Aquis class A foam system with 30 gallon foam tank, 1000 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with, APS (Advanced Protection System) that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains and a 380hp Cummins power plant. Metros Make ready shop custom mounted all of GFDs equipment including radios. Photo 1. 2015-11-18 Mesquite Just placed another Spartan pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Spartans Star Series Body with smart storage, Cummins ISL 450hp engine, Hale QMAX 1500GPM pump, Foam Pro 2001 Class AB foam system w2030 gallon tanks, 500 gallon UPF water tank, TFT Hurricane RC deck gun, Whelen Pioneer Scene lights, and Whelen M6 series emergency lighting on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with APS (Advanced Protection system) that includes driver and officer knee bags, driver steering wheel bag and anti-ejection curtains. Delivery is expected in September of 2016. Photo 1. 2015-11-18 Midland Has just placed an add-on order for an additional Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. These units will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 1750 gpm pump, 750 gallon water tank, Waterous Pneumax SP 200 CAFS with Foam Pro 3012 AB foam system w30 gallon foam tanks, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with APS (Advanced Protection System) that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains and a 450hp Cummins power plant. Delivery is expected in August 2016. Photo 1. 2015-11-18 Somervell County Just placed an order for their first Spartan pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit will feature Spartans aluminum. 1500gpm Hale pump, 1000 gallon water tank and rear dump valve, Whelen scene lights and Whelen 600 series warning lights all on a International chassis. Metros make ready shop will install all of SCFD equipment utilizing Performance Advantage brackets and custom designed organizers for several compartments. Photo 1. 2015-11-18 Tarrant County ESD 1 Just placed another order for two more Spartan ERV tankers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Both units will feature Spartans aluminum body, one will have 3000 gallon water tank and the other a 2000 gallon tank, both have Waterous 1250gpm pumps, Spartan ERVs One-Touch CAFS systems with a 75 gallon foam tank, Extreme duty interiors with Sparliner spray on bed liner, Whelen M6 emergency lighting and Pioneer scene lights on an a Spartan Gladiator (3000 gallon) and Metro Star (2000 gallon) chassis with APS (Advanced Protection system) that includes driver and officer knee bags, driver steering wheel bag and anti-ejection curtains. These units are slated for Rendon and Saginaw. Delivery is expected in September of 2016. Photo 1. Photo 2. 2015-11-18 Victoria Has just taken delivery of their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs aluminum Legend body, Waterous side control 1500 gpm pump with a Waterous Aquis class A foam system with 30 gallon foam tank, 1000 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with Independent Front Suspension (IFS), APS (Advanced Protection System) that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains and a 450hp Cummins power plant. Metros Make ready shop custom mounted all of VFDs equipment including radios. Photo 1. 2015-11-17 Fort Worth The requested three fire trucks, a brush truck, a fan truck and a quick attack truck will be used by Fire Department firefighters throughout the City of Fort Worth (City). The brush truck will be used to transport personnel and equipment to fight brush, grass and structural fires in areas with limited off-road access. The fan truck provides ventilation and removes smoke from high rise and commercial buildings. The quick attack truck is a smaller, multi-purpose vehicle used as a rapid-response truck for fires and other emergencies. Follow link for more. Photo 1. Link 1. 2015-11-10 Fort Worth A new light and air truck, based on a Ford 550 is on the city council agenda. Click the photo link for details. Photo 1. Link 1. 2015-11-06 Waco Has a new Dash CF Aerial being built according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its Pierce job : 28989. Link 1. 2015-11-01 Allen Contracted with Siddons-Martin for a replacement for Truck 2, an Arrow XT 105 PUC with Tak-4 T3 IRS (Independent Rear Steer) tandem axle. Thanks to Russell 2015-11-01 Colleyville Purchased a Pierce Impel Pumper from Siddons-Martin. Cummins ISL 450 hp, 500 water, 1500 pump, TAK-4 suspension, Husky foam system, Willburt light tower, Hydraulic generator. Thanks to Travis Photo 1. 2015-11-01 Euless Purchased a Pierce Velocity 105 Heavy Duty Aerial from Siddons-Martin. DD13 500hp engine, 500 water, 1500 pump, speedlays, Hydraulic generator, TAK-4 suspension, Husky foam and Hercules CAFS. Thanks to Travis Photo 1. 2015-10-24 Little Elm Has a new Pierce Velocity aerial being built, according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its job number 28963. Link 1. 2015-10-24 Paris Has a new Pierce Dash CF PUC Engine - Detroit DD13 500 HP Water - 500 Gallons Cab - Dash CF 8011 Body - PUC 189 Rescue Body Foam - 30 Gallon Pump - Pierce Pump 1500 GPM Job Number - 28591. It will be placed in service this coming week and will be running as Engine 1. Thanks to Jay Photo 1. 2015-10-09 Fort Worth From the upcoming city council agenda: It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of an armored vehicle from Lenco Industries, Inc. dba Lenco Armored Vehicles, in the amount of 297,661.00, Using General Services Administration (GSA) Contract GS-07-0390M for the Police Department through the Property Management Department. Link 1. 2015-10-05 Bell Helicopter, Hurst Bell Helicopter ordered a PierceIHC chassis RIV with 1000 water, 500 dry powder, front turret and reel for the Hurst facility. Thanks to Travis 2015-10-05 Cedar Hill Ordered another Pierce Dash CF PUC pumper. Thanks to Travis 2015-10-05 Coppell Theres a new Pierce in production for Coppell, according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its a Velocity 95 ft mid-mount Platform (Job 28686) Its expected to be delivered in November. Link 1. 2015-10-05 Grand Prairie Heres another Pierce Arrow XT pumper being built for Grand Prairie, according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its Job 28638, and expected to be delivered this month. New drawing added. Photo 1. Link 1. 2015-10-05 Grand Prairie The second Pierce in production on the Siddons-Martin website for Grand Prairie is a 75 Dash CF PUC quint, for Quint 10. They broke ground on the new Station 10 a couple weeks ago. It will be at the corner of S Grand Peninsula Dr and Balboa. Delivery is expected this month. Thanks to Eric and Travis Photo 1. Link 1. 2015-10-05 Grapevine Has a Heavy Rescue Pumper on a Pierce Velocity cab due out in February. It is going to station 4. Click the photo link for a drawing. Thanks to Travis Photo 1. 2015-10-05 Irving Has purchased (1) Pierce Dash PUC Pumper and (1) Pierce Arrow 100 Tiller. Its the first tiller in the area outside of Dallas FD that we know of. They will order a second tiller after the council meeting October 8. They currently have (2) other Dash PUC Pumpers on order. Due out in February 2016. Photo 1. 2015-10-05 Lewisville Added a second Pierce Velocity top mount pumper to their current order. One is due out in February and one is due out in April. Thanks to Travis 2015-10-05 Lockheed-Martin Has a new Pierce Sabre 16 heavy duty rescue being built according to the Siddons-Martin website, job 28443. Its expected next month. They are also receiving a Road Rescue ambulance this month. Link 1. 2015-10-05 Midlothian Just took delivery of a Skeeter brush truck, F450 with 300 water and a F550 Pierce Rescue. 12 body with cascade and fill station, hydraulic generator and light tower. Its job 28777. Thanks to Justin and Travis Link 1. 2015-10-05 Southlake Has another Pierce Quantum pumper in production. Its Job 28697, according to the Siddons-Martin website. Delivery is expected this month. Link 1. 2015-10-03 Greenville Has a new Rescue Engine 4. It went into service in June, 2015. Its a 2014 Pierce Dash CF PUC 1500-750 (Pierce Job 27952). Thanks to Lindsay for the photo and information. Photo 1. 2015-09-26 McKinney Truck 3 went into service in July, 2015. It is a 2014 E-One Cyclone II 2000-500-100 rear mount(SO 138625). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. Photo 2. 2015-09-25 DFW Airport Has a utility truck on a Ford crew cab chassis being built according to the Siddons-Martin website, its job 28902 Link 1. 2015-09-25 Fort Worth Has 3 more Rosenbauer pumpers on the city council agenda. Link 1. 2015-09-18 McKinney Fire Station 9 will be located on the east side of Lake Forest Drive between University Drive and Wilmeth Road. Its on the city council agenda at the link. Thanks to Tim Link 1. 2015-09-17 Bedford The crews made a quick knockdown on an apartment fire this morning. Here are a few photos that I took. Link 1. 2015-09-15 Fort Worth City Council Agenda Item: It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of a quint fire truck from Scott Fire Apparatus, Inc. in the amount of 838,862.00 using Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Contract No. FS12-13 for the Fire Department. Click the links for details. Photo 1. Link 1. 2015-09-14 Trophy Club Has received, but not yet placed into service, a Pierce Arrow XT 105, rear mount, with 500 gallon tank, 2250GPM. The rear seats face forward, and there are panels to mount tool in front of those, behind the driver and officer seats. Thanks to Shawn Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Photo 4. 2015-09-10 Bedford, NEFDA I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Bedford CFAAA Rehab Team last night, handing out water to crews that were training at TCC. I also had some time to take a few photos. Westlakes new Engine 481 was there, and I took quite a few photos of it. Link 1. 2015-09-01 Arlington On the City Council Agenda: Purchase of a Fire Command Vehicle, Bid Project 15-0149 (MO08252015-009): Authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve the purchase of a fire command vehicle with Caldwell Country Chevrolet of Caldwell, Texas, through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program, in an amount not to exceed 75,000, and execute any and all documents necessary to carry out such purchase. Funds are budgeted in Fleet Services Administration Account No. 790101-68200. Link 1. 2015-08-28 Dallas Has a new foam tender purchased through Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists. Please see the link for photos. Its based on a Ford chassism, and has capacity for 1000 gallons of AFFF, and two automatic nozzles. The pump on the back is to pump the foam from totes to the tank once they use it. A similar unit is being built for Houston. Thanks to Garrett and Brian Link 1. 2015-08-27 Plano Recently took delivery of their new Rosenbauer 101 rear mount Smart Aerial platform. Features: FX 316 aluminum tandem axle aerial body, high side compartments with painted Robinson Roll-up doors, enclosed pump panels, 30020 poly tank, Waterous 1250 GPM single stage pump, stainless steel plumbing, Foampro 2001 system, Green Star IRT generator system, Rosenbauer Commander 4000 series R608 custom cabchassis, ITS Roll Tek, seating for six, Cummins ISX 15l 550 hp diesel engine, Allison 4000evs retarder transmission, 12v Weldon V-mux electrical system, Rosenbauer Cobra 101 3-section rear mount smart aerial control platform, joystick controls. Thanks to Ed Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. 2015-08-24 Colleyville Heres a link to some photos from a 3 Alarm fire at 1201 Hall-Johnson yesterday morning. I believe every NE Tarrant department was there, including DFW Airport. Link 1. 2015-08-24 Prosper A second fire station has been approved by the city council. Built on land donated by the Windsong Ranch development, the station is expected to open in the late Summer of 2016 at 1140 South Teel Blvd, at a cost no more than about 6.3M. It will be equipped and staffed for an engine, as well as staffed for EMS. Thanks to Russell Link 1. 2015-08-24 Van Alstyne Has a new Engine 141. It went into service in April, 2015. Its a 2015 Ferrara Intruder 2 1250-1000 (Ferrara H-5722). Thanks to Lindsay for the photo and info. Photo 1. 2015-08-15 Dallas The new Engine 35 went into service in February, 2015. Its a 2014 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 1500-500 (Spartan ERV 213180-04 Dallas Shop 14089). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. Photo 2. 2015-08-08 Terrell Engine 1 went into service in July, 2015. Its a 2014 Spartan ERV Legend Series Metro Star 1500-1000 (Spartan ERV 213166-01 Terrell Shop 33051). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2015-08-02 Grand Prairie Heres the new Grand Prairie FD Battalion 1 ride, a 2015 Ford F350. It is identical to Battalion 2s 2014 model. Thanks to Eric Link 1. 2015-07-31 Fort Worth A new station 42 is mentioned in the city council agenda for 842015. It is recommended that the City Council authorize the execution of a contract in the amount of 361,590.00 plus 3,565.00 for reimbursable expenses with RPGA Design Group, Inc. for design and construction administration services and associated utilities for Fire Station No. 42 to be located at Spinks Airport. Link 1. 2015-07-19 Dallas Engine 5 went into service in December, 2014. Its a 2014 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 1500-500 (Spartan ERV 213103-03 Dallas Shop 14083). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. Photo 2. 2015-07-14 Red Oak Red Oak City Council selects American Medical Response as EMS provider - please follow the link for the article on the Waxahachie Daily Light website. Thanks to Justin Link 1. Link 2 2015-07-06 Dallas Engine 7 which went into service Spring, 2015. Its a 2014 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 1500-500 (Spartan ERV 213180-03 Dallas Shop 14088). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2015-06-27 Collin County McKinney and Collin College have approved an interlocal agreement to build a 13.4 million public safety training facility near the intersection of Redbud Boulevard and Bloomdale Road. Itll be the only comprehensive training site in Collin County for fire and police, according to a StarLocal media article at the link. Link 1. 2015-06-27 Red Oak Has a new Unified CommandMobile Incident Command Bus marked MIC-181. Thanks to Justin Photo 1. Link 1. Link 2 2015-06-24 Dallas Fire Station 27, at 8401 Douglas Ave. is now set to open in September. according to a Dallas Morning News article at the link. Link 1. 2015-06-24 Fulshear Has just taken delivery of their first Spartan pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartans aluminum Star Series body, Hale QMAX 1500 gpm pump, 750 gallon water tank, Hale Foam Logic foam system w30 gallon foam tank, SVI Command Telescoping scene light, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with the Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains and a 450hp Cummins power plant. Thanks to Brian Photo 1. 2015-06-24 Irving Irving posted on their Facebook page that they have a new station 12 planned. It appears from the photos they posted to be at I-635 EB service road, across from the Home Depot. An exact address was not given. It will house a Tiller Ladder(their first), Engine, and Medic. By the way, theyre hiring, so follow the second link for details if you are interested. Link 1. Link 2 2015-06-24 Midland Just took delivery of their first 75 quint from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs Star Series Aluminum body with Smart storage. Spartans 75 greaseless aerial, TFT Monsoon RC monitor, Waterous 2000 gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, FRC scene lights and Whelen M6 warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator LFD chassis with the Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains and a Cummins ISX 12 500hp power plant. Thanks to Brian Photo 1. 2015-06-21 Ponder Engine 650 went into service on January 1, 2015. Its a 2014 Ferrara Cinder 2000-1000 (Ferrara H-5397). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2015-06-20 Grand Prairie I enjoyed a nice 80 mile bicycle ride tothrough Grand Prairie this morning. I was able to ride by each station, as well as PDFD HQ, and Public Safety Training. Check out the link for my route and a few cell phone shots if youre interested. Thanks to the FF at 8s and at 1s for spending a few minutes with me. Link 1. 2015-06-17 Fort Worth Theres a new Rosenbauer Panther 4x4 ARFF for Meacham Airport. Check out the link for a photo from the Rosenbauer America site. It and a new Engine 28 were spotted at Bolt St. recently. Link 1. 2015-06-16 Arlington The permanent Station 17 is on the city council agenda at the link. Photo 1. Link 1. Link 2 2015-06-16 Grand Prairie Has a new Pierce Arrow XT Top-Control Pumper scheduled to be delivered in September. Its marked for Engine 1. Thanks to Siddons-Martin Facebook page Link 1. 2015-06-14 Houston Has just placed an order for 7 more Spartan Pumpers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. These pumpers will be exact duplicated of the others and will feature Spartans aluminum body, Hale QMAX 2000 GPM pump, 500 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis with a Cummins 450hp power plant and Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains. Thanks to Brian Photo 1. Link 1. 2015-06-14 Houston Just placed an order for another SuperVac cascade from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This cascade will be an exact duplicate of the other three and will feature SVIs 12 aluminum body, Onan 20KW PTO generator, Bauer breathing air compressor, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Ford F550 chassis. Thanks to Brian Photo 1. Link 1. 2015-06-14 Houston Just placed an order for another SuperVac heavy rescue from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This rescue will be an exact duplicate of the other three and will feature SVIs 26 aluminum rescue body, Onan 25KW PTO generator, SVI Command light telescoping scene light, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis with a Cummins 500hp power plant and Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains. Thanks to Brian Link 1. 2015-06-14 Parker Co ESD 7 ES7(Cool-Garner)- Has just placed an order for their first Spartan pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum body with side controlled Hale 1500 gpm pump, 750 gallon water tank, Hale Foam Logic Class A foam system, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with a 450hp Cummins power plant. Thanks to Brian Photo 1. Link 1. 2015-06-12 Lancaster Has a new Pierce being built according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its job 28581 Link 1. 2015-06-12 Paris Has a new Pierce Dash CF Pumper being built according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its job 28591 Link 1. 2015-06-08 Cleburne Here are some more photos by Lindsay Dye of Engine 2(previously posted on April 4, 2015). Its a 2014 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 1500-750 (Spartan ERV 213196-01) that went into service on March 17, 2015. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Photo 4. 2015-06-08 Grapevine Recently ordered a Velocity PUC pumper with a Rescue body for station 4. Thanks to Travis 2015-06-08 Irving Recently ordered 2 more Dash CF PUC pumpers to match the others ordered in 2013. Thanks to Travis 2015-06-08 Lewisville Recently ordered a replacement Velocity top mount pumper to match previous units. Thanks to Travis 2015-06-06 Bedford Has just taken delivery of their second Spartan pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartans aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 1500 gpm pump with Foam Pro 2002 Class A foam system w30 gallon tank, 500 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights, Spartans 8kw generator with APU idle reduction technology all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis with a Cummings ISL 9 450hp power plant and Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains. Thanks to Brian Photo 1. 2015-06-06 Benbrook Has just placed an order for their first Spartan pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit will feature Spartans aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 1500 gpm pump, 1000 gallon water tank, Spartans One-Touch 200CFM CAFS system w40 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis Cummings ISL 450hp power plant and Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains. Thanks to Brian Photo 1. 2015-06-06 Burleson Has just placed an order for their second Spartan RM 103 quint from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit will feature Spartans aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Spartans Heavy Duty greaseless 103 RM aerial, Hale QMAX 2000 gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis with a Cummings ISX 12 500hp power plant and Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains. Thanks to Brian Photo 1. 2015-06-06 Copperas Cove Has just taken delivery of their first Spartan pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartans aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 1500 gpm pump with Foam Pro 2001 Class A foam system w30 gallon tank, 750 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with the Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains. Thanks to Brian Photo 1. 2015-06-06 Granbury Recently took delivery of a Rosenbauer rescue pumper built on a Spartan custom chassis. The apparatus has the following features: EXT extruded aluminum 100 high rescue body with Robinson rollup doors roof area compartments hydraulic ladder rack Waterous 1250 gpm pump with 200 cfm CAFS system Whelen LED warning light package Whelen Pioneer Plus LED scene lights 15 KW Onan generator with two cable reels Command Light model Kl450 Knight Light Tower Spartan chassis. Thanks to Ed and Garrett Photo 1. Photo 2. Link 1. 2015-06-06 San Marcos Has just taken delivery of their first Spartan RM platform from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartans aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Spartans Heavy Duty greaseless 100 RM platform, Waterous 2000 gpm pump with Foam Pro 1600 Class A foam system w30 gallon foam tank, 300 gallon water tank, Whelen scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis with a Cummings ISX 12 500hp power plant and Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains. Thanks to Brian Photo 1. 2015-06-06 Terrell Has just secured the purchase of their second stock pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit will be an exact duplicate of the stock unit purchased in December and will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum body, Waterous side control 1500 gpm pump with a Waterous Aquis class A foam system with 30 gallon foam tank, 1000 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with Independent Front Suspension (IFS) and a 450hp Cummins power plant. Metros Make ready shop custom mounted all of TFDs equipment including radios. Thanks to Brian 2015-06-06 Westlake I was riding my bicycle down Dove, and saw Attack 481 out, so I turned around to snap a photo, and then noticed a new Engine 481 in the house. Its a Ferrara. Photo 1. 2015-06-05 Trophy Club Has a new Pierce Arrow XT 105 aerial(Job 28580) being built according to the Siddons-Martin website. Link 1. 2015-06-01 Waxahachie Waxahachie City Council approved for Waxahachie Fire Rescue to start running EMS Services for the city. They will hire 24 members and have 3 frontline ambulances. Thanks to Justin 2015-05-28 DFW Airport From Siddons-Martin The Pierce 107 Ascendant Aerial will be in town Thursday May 28th at DFW Airport Fire Station 6 Please stop by and see us We are excited to show you the newest in aerial innovations with regard to SINGLE Outriggers, SINGLE AXLE and a LONGER Reach. If a quint is in your plans for future apparatus purchase, you will not want to miss this showing This aerial is also riding on an Enforcer chassis. This is a must see chassis as well. If you want to see our new Enforcer, this is a great opportunity to see it as well. DFW Fire Station 6 is located at 711 Regent Blvd. This is in the north-eastern section of DFWs property near 635 and 114, close to Coppell. We will be there from 10:00am 3:00pm available to answer any questions, tour the truck, set it up, go for a ride, etc. Stop by before, after or during lunch and take a few minutes to check this thing out We look forward to seeing you there 2015-05-27 DFW Airport Thanks to Russell and Travis for inviting me out to DFW Airport Station 6 to check out Pierces new Ascendant 107, rear mount, single rear axle, 500 gallon, aerial ladder on an Enforcer chassis. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Photo 4. Link 1. Link 2 2015-05-20 Keller Is changing fire station 4 to 1, since there really wasnt a 1 before. Please follow the link for an article in the Star-Telegram. Link 1. 2015-05-20 Wise County Wise County EMS has two new ambulances, painted black. Please follow the link to the Wise Counter Messenger article. Thanks to Greg Link 1. 2015-05-18 Weatherford A new Pierce Velocity, rear mount, tandem rear axle truck in service according to the Weatherford Democrat article at the following link. Thanks to Ron Link 1. Link 2 2015-05-08 Highland Village Has a new Pierce PUC being build according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its job 28557 Photo 1. Link 1. 2015-05-05 Fort Worth Several new apparatus are mentioned in the council agenda at the link below. It includes 3 engines, 1 quint, 1 brush, 1 rescue, 1 fan truck, and 1 Quick Attack Pumper totaling just over 4M. Photo 1. Link 1. 2015-05-01 Weatherford Has a new Pierce Dash CF PUC (Job 28558) being build according to the Siddons-Martin website. Link 1. 2015-04-30 Irving From a local Pierce salesman. It just takes a minute We have less than 48 hours left to help our Irving FD brothers and sisters out with winning this contest. There is no real prize other than they get to be in the calendar and a TEXAS fire department is declared the winner. Please help show your support and vote as well as pass this on to two other people Currently they are being beat by Derby FD. Really. Derby. We can do better than that. Link 1. 2015-04-28 Cassie The Cassie Volunteer Fire Department has taken delivery of a new Rosenbauer 1250 gpm commercial CAFS pumper. The apparatus has a 1250 gpm Hale DSD single stage pump, Pneumax 140-sp Compressed Air Foam System, Foampro 2001 injection system with 20 gallon foam cell, 1250 gallon UPF poly tank, 18 aluminum CT series rescue style body with hinged doors, hydraulic powered ladder rack, 1050 watt power inverter, Whelen LED warning lights, Freightliner M2 106 2-door cabchassis, Cummins 330 HP diesel engine with the 3000EVS Allison transmission, 40,000 gvw. Thanks to Ed Photo 1. Photo 2. 2015-04-27 Euless Euless worked a 3 Alarm lightning strike, church fire early this AM. Bedford, Colleyville, DFW Airport, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Haltom City, and Hurst all assisted on scene. Here are a few photos that I shot. Great stop Link 1. 2015-04-10 DFW Airport There are 2 new Oshkosh Striker 4500s being built. I believe these two will have Snozzels. Theyre job numbers 1720 and 1723, and probably relate to the 3282014 post from the council agenda. Photo 1. Link 1. Link 2 2015-04-06 Cleburne Cleburne Has just taken delivery of their second Spartan pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartans aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Hale QMAX 1500 gpm pump with FoamLogic Class A foam system, 750 gallon water tank, Akron Scene star scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Thanks to Brian Photo 1. 2015-04-06 Dallas Engine 12 went into service approximately two weeks ago. Its a 2014 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator MFD 1500-500 (Spartan ERV 213180-02 Dallas Shop 14087) Thanks to Lindsay for the information and photo. Photo 1. 2015-04-06 Keller Keller Has just taken delivery of their first Spartan pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartans aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Hale QMAX 1500 gpm pump with Rowe CAFS system, 500 gallon water tank, Domitec 110v AC, Onan 7.5kw diesel generator, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis. Thanks to Brian Photo 1. 2015-04-06 Parker County ESD6 Parker County ESD 6 recently added a Rosenbauer Wildland unit to their line of equipment. The Wildland unit is built on a 4-door, 4x4 International cabchassis, 330 HP diesel engine with Allison 3000EVS automatic transmission, 14,000 front driving axle and 26,000 rear axle, seating for five with center console. The body is the FX series aluminum with the rear mounted Rosenbauer NH1000 pump system, with high angle of departure rear compartment. Booster reels mounted under the rear crew cab steps, one high pressure and one low pressure and front bumper sweep nozzles. Extended front bumper with remote controlled akron fire fox bumper turret, 2-12 front bumper crosslay, three (3) rear panel 2-12 discharges, two (2) 1-12 hose bed discharges, Foampro 1600 series system with a 20 gallon tank. 750 gallon poly tank with large hose bed. Thanks to Ed Photo 1. Photo 2. 2015-04-06 Roanoke Roanoke Has just taken delivery of their first Spartan 103 quint from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartans Greaseless 103 steel ladder, aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 2000 gpm pump with Foam Pro 1600 foam system with 20 gallon foam tank, 500 gallon water tank, Spartans 16kw generator with idle reduction technology, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Thanks to Brian Photo 1. 2015-03-17 Arlington Council Agenda Item: Purchase of Dive Rescue Boat, Bid Project 15-0061 (MO03172015-014): Authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve the purchase of a dive rescue boat with Lake Assault Boats, LLC of Superior, Wisconsin in the estimated amount of 122,633, and execute any and all documents necessary to carry out such purchase. Funds are budgeted in Fire Department Fire Operations Account No. 220201-68200. Link 1. 2015-03-17 Cleburne Traditions new and old played a role from the bagpipes and drums opening Tuesdays dedication program at Cleburne Fire Station No. 2 to the ceremonial backing in of the departments newest engine. Please see the complete Cleburne Times-Review at the link. Link 1. Link 2 2015-03-17 Euless Engine 552 Christening Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 3:00pm Station 2- 1515 Westpark Way. Its a Pierce Impel like E551. Please see their Facebook page at the link. Link 1. 2015-03-14 Bedford, Hurst Bedford worked a garage contents fire Saturday morning and made their usual quick knockdown. Hurst responded on automatic aid. Please follow the link for a few of my photos. Its rare that I arrive before they put the wet stuff on the red stuff, and get to witness the knock down. Link 1. 2015-03-07 Dallas The new Engine 9 went into service in January. Its a 2014 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 1500-500 (Spartan ERV 213103-02 Dallas Shop 14082) Info. Photos Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2015-03-06 Waller VFD Will be taking delivery of their new Rosenbauer Smart Cab commercial pumper with the Smart Cab module set up for three (3) SCBA seats. The Rosenbauer N-1250 single stage PTO pump system with stainless steel plumbing, push-pull cable controls for discharges, Rosenbauer E-Z foam system with 20 gallon foam tank, 750 gallon poly tank, FX series aluminum body with Robinson Rollup doors, ladder and hard suction storage in the body with rear access, Whelen LED warning lights, Rosenbauers Green Star idle reduction technology with separate air conditioning system for the rear cab area, 7.9kw diesel powered generator, electric cord reel, hydraulic hose reels mounted in the extended front bumper, chassis is the International 7400 2-door series with a 315 hp diesel engine, Allison 3000EVS automatic transmission, 37,000 gvw. unit was sold by Les Fulgham. Thanks to Ed at Daco Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Photo 4. 2015-02-28 Bedford, Hurst Hurst provided mutual aid to Bedford on a house fire this very cold Saturday night. Please follow the link to see some of the photos I shot. Link 1. 2015-02-22 Euless, Bedford Bedford assisted Euless with an apartment laundry room fire Sunday night. Please follow the link to see a few photos I shot. Link 1. 2015-02-17 Edmond, OK Recently took delivery of their first Rosenbauer rear mount RP3 custom pumper built on the Rosenbauer Commander cabchassis, 60 cab with 11 raised roof, ext aluminum body, rear mounted 1250 gpm Hale pump and pump panel, 750 gallon poly tank, Robinson rollup doors, front bumper crosslays, speedlays in front transverse compartment, generator with electric cord reel, booster reel in r4 compartment, right side hydraulic ladder rack. Truck was sold by wesley dobmeier, Daco fire equipment. Thanks to Ed Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. 2015-02-17 Lubbock In January purchased the following equipment from Daco Fire Equipment: 1 Rosenbauer 78 rear mount Smart Aerial ladder with (ACS) aerial command seat, 3-section galvanized ladder sections, Hale 1250 gpm DSD single state pump, Foampro 2002 injection system, 500 gallon poly tank, 3030 gallon foam cells, Greenstar IRT 7.9 kw generator system, Whelen LED warning light system, Rosenbauer Commander 3000 series 4-door tilt cab chassis, Cummins ISL diesel engine, Allison 3000evs automatic transmission, seating for 5). 1 Rosenbauer 101 rear mount Smart Aerial Platform, FX aluminum tandem axle body, 3-section galvanized aerial platform, Smart Aerial contrals with ACS, Rosenbauer Commander R711 custom raised roof cabchassis, Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, seating for five (5), equipment list The units were purchased thru the HGAC cooperative purchasing contract for a total price of 1,776,522.00 by Steve Davis. Delivery is scheduled for February 2016. Thanks to Ed at Daco Fire Equipme 2015-02-17 McKinney Theres a city council agenda item for a LeasePurchase Agreement on an E-One Aerial and E-One Pumper Please follow the link for details Thanks to Tim Link 1. 2015-02-14 Dallas The new Engine 3 went into service February 13, 2015. Its a 2014 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 1500-500 (Spartan ERV 213180-05 Dallas Shop 14080). Thanks to Lindsay Dye for the photo and information. Photo 1. Photo 2. 2015-02-13 Sutphen Sutphen Thomas Clarence Sutphen, age 90, passed away. He was the President of Sutphen Corporation. Follow the link for his obituary. Link 1. 2015-02-08 Frisco Here are shots of the new station and quint that went into service on February 4, 2015. Its located at the intersection of Rolater and Independence Parkway. The Quint is a 2014 Pierce Velocity 2000-400-75 RM (Pierce Job 27193). Thanks to Lindsay for the photos and information. Photo 1. Photo 2. Link 1. 2015-02-07 Dallas Theres a new Truck 37 in Dallas. It went into service February 5, 2015. Its 2014 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 103 RM (Spartan ERV 213104-01 Dallas Shop 14211). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2015-02-07 Frisco Heres an online article from the Frisco Enterprise about Friscos 8th fire station opening at 14700 Rolater Road. Link 1. 2015-02-01 City of Terrell Hills Recently received a new Engine 1. Its a 2014 Sutphen Guardian Pumper, 6-man, 10 raised roof cab, Cummins ISL9 450HP wJake Brake, Waterous 1500GPM. Waterous Advantus Class A Foam Injection System, FRC Pressure Governor, 75030 Harrison 6kW PTO Generator, Dealer: Cullen Emergency Vehicles. Thanks Garrett Photo 1. Link 1. 2015-01-31 Dallas EVENT: The Big D Climb benefitting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society features a First Responder Challenge. Please visit the link for more details. Link 1. 2015-01-29 Fort Worth Theres a new Engine 4 listed on Rosenbauer Americas website. Thanks to Garrett Link 1. 2015-01-21 North Richland Hills North Richland Hills FD rescued a horse stuck in a pond, with the help from a John Deere. Here are some of my photos. The horse seemed to be doing ok. Link 1. 2015-01-17 Dallas Truck 20 went into service January 15, 2015. Its a 2014 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 100 TDA (Spartan ERV 213204-01 Dallas Shop 14261). Thanks to Lindsay for the photo and information, and A Shifts crew, also to MFDPhoto1 for the video at the link. Photo 1. Link 1. 2015-01-15 Rowlett With the Rowlett City Councils support, his staff is preparing to spend nearly 2 million for a new fire engine, a new 137-foot ladder truck and the refurbishment of the current ladder truck and a pumper truck. according to a Rowlett Lakeshore Times article at the link. Link 1. 2015-01-14 Westlake Form a Star-Telegram article: Westlake Town Council called an emergency meeting last week and approved a budget amendment to free up to 200,000 to replace the fire station, which was severely damaged by a fire last month. Please follow the link for the entire article. Link 1. 2015-01-10 Flower Mound E502 went into service on January 9, 2015. Its a 2014 Pierce Velocity PUC 1500-750 (Pierce Job 27620). Thanks to Lindsay for the information and photo. Photo 1. 2015-01-01 Bedford, Euless Bedford worked a chimney fire with help from Euless. A few of my photos are at the link. Link 1. 2014-12-31 Euless, Bedford, Grapevi Euless worked an early morning house fire with help from Bedford and Grapevine today. A few of my photos are available at the link. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Photo 4. Link 1. 2014-12-30 Lewisville Truck 167 went into service the week of December 22, 2014. Its a 2014 Pierce Velocity 2000-250-95 MM (Pierce Job 27643). Thanks to Lindsay Dye for the photo and info. This was his 100th apparatus photographed this year We really appreciate your quality photos and information. Keep it up Photo 1. 2014-12-29 Arlington Has just placed an add-on order for one Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 1250 gpm pump, 750 gallon water tank, Foam Pro 2002 foam system w25 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with the Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains and a 450hp Cummins power plant. Delivery is expected in August 2015. 2014-12-29 Crandall Has just taken delivery of their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs aluminum Star Series body, Waterous side control 1500 gpm pump, 1200 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with the Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains a 450hp Cummins power plant and Independent Front Suspension. Metros Make ready shop custom mounted all of CFDs equipment including radios Photo 1. 2014-12-29 Desoto Has just placed an order for their second Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 1500 gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, Foam Pro 2002 foam system w30 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with the Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains and a 450hp Cummins power plant. Delivery is expected in August 2015. 2014-12-29 Gladewater Has just placed an order for their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum Legend body with side controlled Hale 1500 gpm pump, 1000 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with a 380hp Cummins power plant. Delivery is expected in August 2015. 2014-12-29 Houston Just took delivery of their first tower ladder from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs Star Series Aluminum body with Smart storage. Spartan ERVs 100 greaseless aerial, Dual TFT Monsoon RC monitors, Whelen Pioneer scene lights and Whelen M6 warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator EMFD chassis with the Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains and a Cummins ISX 550hp power plant. Photo 1. 2014-12-29 Midland Midland Has just placed an order for their first two Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. These units will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 1750 gpm pump, 750 gallon water tank, Waterous Pneumax SP 200 CAFS with Foam Pro 3012 AB foam system w30 gallon foam tanks, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with the Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains, a 450hp Cummins power plant and Independent Front Suspension. 2014-12-29 Raymondville Has just taken delivery of their first US Tanker from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features USTs stainless steel body, Hale side control 1000 gpm pump, 2000 gallon elliptical water tank, Whelen LED warning lights all on a Freightliner chassis with a ISL 400hp Cummins power plant. Photo 1. 2014-12-29 Rockport Has just taken delivery of their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs aluminum Legend body, Hale top control 1500 gpm pump with Spartan ERVs One-Touch 140CFM CAFS system with 30 gallon foam tank, 1000 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with a 380hp Cummins power plant. Metros Make ready shop custom mounted all of RPFDs equipment including radios. Photo 1. 2014-12-29 Smith County ESD 2 Smith County ESD 2 (Chapel Hill) - Has just placed an order for their second Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, top controlled Waterous 1500 gpm pump, 1000 gallon water tank, Spartan ERVs One-Touch 140CFM CAFS system w30 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with the Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains and a 450hp Cummins power plant. Delivery is expected in August 2015. 2014-12-29 Southeast Has just taken delivery of their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs aluminum Legend body, Waterous top control 1500 gpm pump with a Waterous Aquis class A foam system with 30 gallon foam tank, 1000 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with a 380hp Cummins power plant. Metros Make ready shop custom mounted all of RPFDs equipment including radios. Photo 1. 2014-12-29 Sunnyvale Has just placed an order for their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum Legend body with side controlled Hale 1500 gpm pump, 750 gallon water tank, Spartan ERVs One-Touch 200CFM CAFS system w30 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with the Advanced Protection System that includes Driver knee and steering wheel bag, officer knee bags and anti-ejection curtains and a 450hp Cummins power plant. Delivery is expected in August 2015. 2014-12-29 Terrell Has just taken delivery of their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs aluminum Legend body, Waterous side control 1500 gpm pump with a Waterous Aquis class A foam system with 30 gallon foam tank, 1000 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with Independent Front Suspension (IFS) and a 380hp Cummins power plant. Metros Make ready shop custom mounted all of TFDs equipment including radios. Photo 1. 2014-12-29 Whitehouse Has just taken delivery of their second Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs aluminum Legend body, Waterous side control 1500 gpm pump with Spartan ERVs One-Touch 200CFM CAFS system with 30 gallon foam tank, 1000 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis 380hp Cummins power plant. Metros Make ready shop custom mounted all of WFDs equipment including radios. Photo 1. 2014-12-26 Greenville Heres an another article(from KETR. org) about a new engine coming to Greenville soon. Link 1. 2014-12-26 Tyler Heres article from the Tyler Morning Telegraph about Tyler donating a 1997 PierceFreightliner to a Guatemalan community. Link 1. Link 2 2014-12-24 Azle Azle Fire Department just received their new Quint 52 which is a 2014 Ferrara Inferno HD 77 foot with Rowe compressed air foam pump system 20 gallon capacity, remote aerial ladder control, blue LED ladder walkway lights, shoreline power climate control system for EMS medication storage, power windows. 500 gallon water tank, Fresno small attic extension and 35 foot ground ladders. This replaces a 1991 SpartanLTI quint. Thanks to Azle Fire Department Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. 2014-12-23 Colleyville, Bedford Colleyville worked a house fire today with mutual aid from Bedford, Keller, North Richland Hills, and Southlake. Follow the link for some of the photos I took. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Photo 4. Link 1. 2014-12-22 Dallas The new Engine 10 went into service on December 19, 2014. Its a 2014 Spartan ERV Star Series 1500-500 (Spartan ERV 213103-04 Dallas Shop 14084). Thanks to Lindsay for the information and photo. Photo 1. 2014-12-08 Cleburne, Keller, Roanok All have new Spartan ERVs in production according to the Spartan ERV website, and Im told Bedford E151 should be in production too. Thanks to Garrett Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Link 1. 2014-12-04 Lamesa Recently took delivery of a Rosenbauer 78 rear mount 3-section aerial ladder with Smart Aerial Controls. The ladder sections are hot dipped galvanized and the controls are the Aerial Command Seat style with joystick control. Truck has a 1500 GPM Hale single stage pump, Foampro system with 20 gallon foam tank, 400 gallon poly booster tank, GreenStar Idle Reduction 7.9kW diesel powered generator, FX series 18 aluminum body. The chassis is the Rosenbauer Commander 4000 Series with seating for six (6), 23,000 front axle, 32,500 rear axle and powered with the Cummins ISL-450 horsepower engine. Thanks to Ed at Daco Fire Equipment Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. 2014-11-30 Dallas Truck 56 went into service on 11-26-14. Its a 2014 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 103 RM (Spartan ERV 214003-01 Dallas Shop 14213) Thanks to Lindsay for the photo and information. Photo 1. 2014-11-30 Dallas Truck 3 went into service in October. Its a 2014 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 100 TDA (Spartan ERV 213204-02 Dallas Shop 14262). Thanks to Lindsay for the photo and information. Photo 1. 2014-11-30 Farmers Branch Engine 131, a 2014 Pierce Dash CF PUC 1500-500 (Pierce Job 27544), went into service about a month ago. Photo and information thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2014-11-30 Kaufman Has a new Engine 2. Its a 2014 InternationalE-One eMAX Rescue Pumper 1250-750 (E-One SO 138634). Its been service about a week. Thanks to Lindsay for the information and photos. Photo 1. 2014-11-30 Terrell Engine 2 went into service about 3 weeks ago. Its 2014 Spartan ERV Legend Series Metro Star 1500-1000 (Spartan ERV 213162-01 Terrell Shop 33050). Thanks to Lindsay for the information and photos. Photo 1. 2014-11-24 Euless Looks like another Impel engine is in the works according to the Siddons-Martin website. Link 1. 2014-11-17 Dallas Truck 40 went into service in October. Its a 2014 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 103 RM (Spartan ERV 213104-02 Dallas Shop 14212). Thanks to Lindsay for braving the cold to get the photo and info. Photo 1. 2014-11-14 Greenville Has a new Pierce apparatus being built according to the Siddons-Martin website. Link 1. 2014-11-11 Grand Prairie The new Station 1 (at 510 W Main) will have a grand opening ceremony Tuesday 11112014 at 16:00. Please follow the link for details. Thanks to Mom Link 1. 2014-11-10 Grand Prairie Has placed an order of (1) Pierce Dash CF 75 Aerial, (1) Pierce Arrow XT Pumper, (1) Pierce Saber 75 Aerial Ladder through Siddons-Martin 2014-11-01 Waxahachie From the Waxahachie Daily Light The Waxahachie Fire Department christened its newest truck in a ceremony held at Station 3. Firefighters put the departments new 2014 Pierce ladder truck into service Friday. Please follow the link for the full article. Thanks to Thomas Link 1. 2014-10-26 Arlington Has a new Rescue 17. Its a Polaris EMS unit from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc. This unit is mounted on a Polaris 900 Crew with a custom built EMS bed to hold a stokes basket, storage under the seats for EMS equipment, upgraded automotive style battery, speed governor, movable winch, replacement front bumper, LED warning as well as LED Rigid Industries off road lighting. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Link 1. 2014-10-20 Plano Has a new Engine 13. Its a 2014 Rosenbauer Commander 1250-500 (Rosenbauer 13665 Plano Shop 14403). They also have a new Truck 1. Its a 2014 Rosenbauer Commander 1250-300-109 RM (Rosenbauer 735114 Plano Shop 14401) Engine 13 went into service the week of October 13, 2014. Truck 1 is slated to go into service in November. Thanks to Lindsay for the photos and information. Photo 1. Photo 2. 2014-10-19 Arlington Arlingtons 236 million dollar bond package to include 10 million for renovations and improvements for the fire training facility and replacing Station 1. Please follow the link for a Star-Telegram article on the bond package. The second link is an article about using new infrared thermometers and procedures for possible Ebola cases. Link 1. Link 2 2014-09-24 North Richland Hills Just took delivery of their first Spartan ERV Transformer pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This units features Spartan ERVs aluminum body with smart storage, Hale 1500 gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, Foam Pro 2002 foam system with 30 gallon foam tank, Onan 8.5kw diesel generator, Whelen Pioneer LED scene lighting and Whelen LED M series warning lights and a Cummins ISL 9 450hp engine all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis. Metros make ready shop mounted of the departments equipment and radios prior to delivery. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2014-09-23 Fort Worth Public Safety Training Center Change Order No. 1 This project provides for the construction of a new Fire Station No. 17 on the site of the Public Safety Training Center (PSTC). This new station will replace the existing antiquated Fire Station No. 17 at 212 East Felix just east of the PSTC and will provide several benefits by being incorporated into the Fire Training Village located on the new PSTC campus. Link 1. 2014-09-11 Fort Worth The city of Fort Worth recently took delivery of three new Rosenbauer EXT custom pumpers built on Spartan Gladiator chassis. They will be assigned to stations 10, 20, and 30. They have four additional pumpers on order, scheduled for delivery later this year. Thanks to Ed at Daco Fire Equipment Photo 1. Photo 2. 2014-09-01 Garland Here is a photo of the new Truck 4 in Garland. Its a 2014 Pierce Arrow XT 1500-500-75 RM (Pierce Job 27170 Garland Shop 130-0458). Thanks to Lindsay for the info and pic. Photo 1. 2014-09-01 Midlothian Here is photo of Midlothians great looking new Truck 1. Its a 2014 Pierce Dash CF 1500-300-100 RM (Pierce Job 27452). Thanks to Lindsay for the photos and stats. Photo 1. 2014-09-01 Tyler Here are some more shots and info on Tylers most recent additions. Engine 4: Spartan ERV 213-057-01 Tyler Shop 14013 Ladder 1: Spartan ERV 213056-02 Tyler Shop 14011 Ladder 2: Spartan ERV 213056-01 Tyler Shop 14012. Thanks to Lindsay for the additional photos and info. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. 2014-08-28 Plano Daco fire equipment was awarded a contract to furnish a Rosenbauer 101 Smart Aerial Platform apparatus. The apparatus features the Rosenbauer 4000 Series Commander Custom 60 cab with 8 raised roof, seating for six, cummins ISX 15l rated at 550 hp, allison 4000evs automatic transmission with retarder, 83,800 gvw, weldon v-mux electrical system, Fx series aluminum body with robinson roll-up doors, waterous 1250 gpm pump, 300 gallon poly tank, Green Star (IRT) 7.9kw generator, Whelen LED warning light system, Rosenbauer three section 101 Rosenbauer Platform with Smart Aerial COntrols. Thanks to Ed Link 1. 2014-08-28 Texarkana KSLA and KTAL news both did stories on Texarkana, TXs new Quint 3 and 5. The links have stories, and Photo 1 is a shot that I took, when I saw it at FRI 2014 in Dallas a couple weeks ago. Try the second link if the first does not work, then search for quint 5 Photo 1. Photo 2. Link 1. Link 2 2014-08-22 Denton Has a new apparatus being built according to the Siddons-Martin Your Truck On The Line website. Link 1. 2014-08-15 Dallas E V E N T: Fire Rescue International will be in Dallas this year on August 13-16th. The Expo is on Friday the 15th and Saturday the 16th. I hope to skip my day job long enough to pay a visit to the expo, and photograph as many shiny new fire apparatus as possible. Follow the links for registration info. Link 1. Link 2 2014-08-15 Dallas Here are some of my photos from Fire Rescue International 2014 at the Dallas Convention Center through tomorrow. It was good talking with several fire apparatus friends, Rich, Jeff, Jon, Brian, Josh, and others. There were lots of local apparatus on display, looking really sharp. Photo 1. Link 1. Link 2 2014-08-08 Flower Mound Has a new apparatus being built according to the Siddons-Martin Your Truck On The Line website. Link 1. 2014-08-04 Plano Here are some more photos of the new Plano Engine 5. It will go into service soon. Its a 2014 Rosenbauer Commander 1250-500 (Rosenbauer 13664 Plano Shop 14402) Thanks to regular contributor Lindsay Dye for the great photos Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Photo 4. Link 1. 2014-07-29 Fort Worth Has a new Ford F-350 for the Office Of Emergency Management. Photo 1. Link 1. 2014-07-28 Dallas Has two new Type III Wildland trucks built by SVI Trucks, numbered 40 and 54. These units feature Waterous 500gpm pumps with 500 gallons of water, auxiliary Darley high pressure pump, 20 gallons of foam with a FoamPro 1600 foam system, LED lighting package with Rigid Industries bar on the front grill, all packaged on an International 7400 4x4 chassis. They were sold by Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists. Please follow the links for photos. Thanks to Will Link 1. Link 2 2014-07-25 Lewisville, Saginaw Lewisville and Saginaw both have apparatus that went into production this week, according to the Siddons-Martin website. Link 1. 2014-07-18 Plano Someone submitted a nice photo of Planos new Engine 5(If this is your photo, and you want credit, please let me know, and Ill add it). This is one of 3 new Engines (E5, E13, E11), from Rosenbauer, that will have the new color scheme. There is also a new truck (T1) that is currently being prepped. These should go in service in the next few weeks. Photo 1. 2014-07-14 Arlington Heres photo of Arlingtons new Truck 1, a Smeal, rear mount. Thanks to Jeremy Photo 1. 2014-07-14 McLendon-Chisolm This 2013 International DuraStar 4400-Ferrara 1000-1250 (Ferrara H-5445) went into service back in February. Its the first brand new engine purchase in the departments 40 year history. Thanks to Lindsay for the photo and info. Photo 1. 2014-07-14 Midlothian Heres a link to an article in the Waxahachie Daily Light about Midlothians new Pierce 100 platform truck. Link 1. 2014-07-14 Tarrant County ESD 1 Just placed an order for two more Spartan ERV tankers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. These units will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum body, will have 3000 gallon water tanks, a Waterous 1250gpm pumps, Spartan ERVs One-Touch CAFS systems with a 75 gallon foam tank, Extreme duty interiors with Sparliner spray on bed liner, Whelen M6 emergency lighting and Pioneer scene lights on an a Spartan Gladiator chassis with Advanced Protection system that includes driver and officer knee bags, driver steering wheel bag and anti-ejection curtains. These units are slated for Benbrook and Eagle Mountain. Delivery is expected in Spring of 2015. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2014-07-13 Arlington Heres a link to an article in the Star-Telegram, Arlington firefighters seek better classroom and field training options. It describes a couple of options they are trying to get added to a bond proposal. Link 1. 2014-07-06 The Colony Has a new Engine 2(472). Its a 2014 Pierce Velocity 1500-750 (Pierce Job 27139). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2014-07-04 Fate Lindsay comes through again with some great photos of new arrivals that went into service last week in Fate(a little east of Rockwall). Engine 11: 2014 International 4400-Ferrara 1250-500 (Ferrara H-5509) and Ladder 11: 2014 Ferrara Ember HD 77 1750-400-77 RM (Ferrara H-5231) Thanks to Lindsay for the great photos and information. Photo 1. Photo 2. 2014-06-24 Colleyville Colleyville worked a 2 Alarm fatality house fire at about 01:00 this morning. They were assisted by Bedford, Hurst, Keller, North Richland Hills, and Southlake. I believe it was a defensive fire from the start. The two story house was fully-involved when I arrived. Some of my photos are at the 1st link, and a story with more info is at the second. Link 1. Link 2 2014-06-23 Fort Worth Has just taken delivery of another SpartanSmeal 105 Aerial, giving them a total of 7 in the city. Scott Fire Apparatus made the delivery on 616 and this Quint will call Station 13 its new home. Thanks to Jon Photo 1. Link 1. 2014-06-23 Garland Just placed an order for their first three Spartan ERV pumpers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. These units will feature Spartan ERVs Star Series aluminum body with Smart Storage, 1500gpm Waterous pump, 500 gallon water tank, Foam Pro 2002 class A foam system with 30 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lights and Whelen M series warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star LFD chassis with APS (Advance Protection System) that includes driver and officer knee bags, driver steering wheel bag and anti-ejection curtains. Metros make ready shop will install all of GFDs equipment utilizing Performance Advantage brackets and custom designed organizers for several compartments. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2014-06-23 Smeal Thanks to Jon at Scott Fire Apparatus for passing along the two press releases from Smeal describing their acquisitions of LTI(Squrt, Snorkel, TeleSqurt) and US Tanker Fire Apparatus. Please see the photo links for details. Photo 1. Photo 2. Link 1. 2014-06-02 Benbrook Benbrook P. D. to use Can Am Roadster Read more at the link. Thanks to Terry Link 1. 2014-06-02 The Colony Has a new 2014 Pierce Velocity 1500-300-95 MM (Pierce Job 27138) that will go into service soon as Truck 473. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2014-05-30 Farmers Branch Has a new apparatus being build at Pierce according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its job 27544. Link 1. 2014-05-30 Irving Has a new Air and Light truck being build at Pierce according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its job 27548. Link 1. 2014-05-30 Irving Has a new Pierce engine being built at Pierce, Job 27549 Link 1. 2014-05-24 Tyler Just took delivery of their tenth Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. With this delivery, the entire front line pumper fleet is in Spartan ERV pumpers. This unit features Spartan ERVs aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 1500 gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, Spartan ERVs On-Touch 200CFM CAFS system with 30 gallon foam tank, Harrison 10kw generator and Whelen LED M series warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Metros make ready shop mounted the departments equipment and radios prior to delivery. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2014-05-23 Waxahachie Has a Pierce being assembled according to the Siddons-Martin Your Truck On The Line website Link 1. 2014-05-10 Cleburne, Johnson County Coming Together A Community Appreciation Event May 10th, 2014 Noon 4:30pm Cleburne Hulen Park 201 West Westhill Drive Cleburne, Texas 76033. Please see the link for a flier. Bring the entire family, Atmos energy will be providing free hotdogs, and there will be booths from community supporters. They will also have fire trucks, air medical helicopters, and a bounce house for the kids. Photo 1. 2014-05-09 Bedford Has just placed an order for another Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 1500 gpm pump with Foam Pro Class A system, 500 gallon water tank, Coleman 110v RV AC, Spartan ERVs Idle Reduction Technology 8KW APU, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen M Series LED warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists 2014-04-28 Tyler Just took delivery of the first of two Spartan ERV 103 rear mount quints from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. These units features Spartan ERVs aluminum body with smart storage, 103 greaseless steel ladder with Roll Assisted slide pads (requires no greasing), cab and body avoidance, Waterous 2000 gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, Harrison 10kw generator, Whelen Pioneer LED scene lighting and Whelen LED M series warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Metros make ready shop mounted the departments equipment and radios prior to delivery. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2014-04-17 Frisco Follow the link to a photo on the Pierce Flickr site of Friscos new Quint 8. Thanks to Rick for pointing it out. Photo 1. Link 1. 2014-04-17 Little York Just took delivery of their first two Spartan ERV Transformer pumpers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. These units feature Spartan ERVs stainless steel body with smart storage, Darley 1250 gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, Foam Pro 1600 foam system with 30 gallon foam tank, Harrison 6kw generator, Whelen Pioneer LED scene lighting and Whelen LED M series warning lights and a Cummins ISL 9 450hp engine all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis. Metros make ready shop mounted the departments equipment and radios prior to delivery. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2014-04-17 Red oak Just took delivery of their first Spartan ERV 103 rear mount quint. This unit features Spartan ERVs aluminum body with smart storage, 103 greaseless steel ladder with Roll Assisted slide pads (requires no greasing), cab and body avoidance, Waterous 2250 gpm pump, 400 gallon water tank, Harrison 10kw generator, Whelen Pioneer LED scene lighting and Whelen LED M series warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Metros make ready shop mounted the departments equipment and radios prior to delivery. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2014-04-14 Euless There is a tradition in the fire service to celebrate the introduction of a new vehicle as it enters service. On Monday April 14, 2014 at 2:00pm you are invited to come to Station 1 at 201 E. Ash Lane and join us for the christening of our newest apparatus, Engine 551. I enjoyed going to this and talking with Jeremy Goodman and others there. Ive updated the link below with some of my photos. Great looking engine Link 1. Link 2 2014-04-14 Grapevine Grapevine was assisted by Coppell and DFW Airport on a structure fire yesterday morning, at Love and War in Texas Restaurant. There are still photos on the first link, and a short video at the second. It was VERY WINDY Link 1. Link 2 2014-04-11 Fort Worth Has a new ARFF unit for Meacham Airport on the upcoming city council agenda. It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of an Airport Rescue Firefighting Vehicle from DACO Fire Equipment in the amount of 593,989.00, using the Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Contract No. FS12-13 for the Fire Department. The Airport Rescue Firefighting Apparatus (ARFF vehicle) will be used by firefighters to transport personnel and equipment to airport and aircraft fires, hazardous incidents and other situations. This ARFF vehicle is for Fire Station 44 at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport and will replace an older unit that can no longer be economically maintained. The old vehicle will be sold at public auction upon delivery and acceptance of the new ARFF vehicle. Link 1. 2014-04-05 Grand Prairie Has a new apparatus being build at Pierce according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its job 27384. Link 1. 2014-04-04 Crandall Has just placed an order for their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 1500 gpm pump, 1200 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis. Thanks to Brian at Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists 2014-04-04 Midland Has just placed an order for their first Spartan ERV 75 tandem axle quint from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Spartan ERVs steel greaseless ladder with Roller Assisted Slide Pads, Waterous 2000 gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, Fire Research scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Thanks to Brian at Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists 2014-04-01 El Paso The el paso fire department will be placing into service a Rosenbauer 101 aerial ladder platform with the Smart Aerial feature. The truck is built on the Rosenbauer Commander 4000 Series custom cab R600, 60 cab with the flat roof Cummins ISX-15l 500 HP diesel engine Allison 4000EVS retarder transmission 23,000 front axle 60,000 rear axle triple rail frame FX aluminum body with Robinson rollup doors three section 101 aerial ladder with Smart Aerial controls. Thanks to Daco fire equipment. Photo 1. 2014-04-01 Fort Worth For the upcoming city council agenda: It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached resolution expressing official intent to reimburse costs of acquiring approximately the amount of 4,000,000.00 of fire equipment and vehicles. Link 1. 2014-03-28 DFW Airport According the the airport boards 432014 agenda, two new ARFF(probably with Snozzles) are being recommended for purchase. An existing one will move to the Fire Training Research Center, and the other will be traded in to Siddons-Martin. Link 1. 2014-03-21 Midlothian Has another Pierce apparatus being built according to the Siddons-Martin website, its job 27452 Link 1. 2014-03-14 Bedford Here are a few photos and a video of an electrical fire at 2712 Brown Trail in Bedford, EARLY Saturday morning. Photo 1. Link 1. Link 2 2014-03-12 Fort Worth Stations 42 and 43 are part of the 2014 Bond Proposal. Voting takes place May 10. Fire Station 42 6 4,402,900 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Construct and equip a new fire station in far south Fort Worth. The proposed station would primarily serve the population growth area near Spinks Airport, as well as provide emergency response services for the airport. The proposed new facility would include up to a 4-bay prototype fire station of approximately 11,000 square feet. Fire Station 43 3 4,700,000 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Construct and equip a new fire station in far west Fort Worth. The proposed station would primarily serve the population growth area that includes the Walsh Ranch development. The proposed new facility would include up to a 4-bay prototype fire station of approximately 11,000 square feet. Link 1. Link 2 2014-03-02 Carrollton Here is the new Engine 112 in Carrollton. It went into service approximately 2 weeks ago. Its a 2014 Ferrara Inferno 1500-500-30 Foam (Ferrara H-5357). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2014-03-01 Fort Worth Repairs to Engine 20, after being involved in an accident, are on the agenda for 342014. Link 1. 2014-03-01 Fort Worth A new police West Division Patrol facility purchase is described on the 342014 city council agenda. Link 1. 2014-03-01 Fort Worth On the 342014 city council agenda: Authorize Execution of a Construction Contract with Struhs II, LLC dba Struhs Commercial Construction in the Amount of 3,547,950.00 to Construct the Police Air Support Hangar at the Fort Worth Meacham International Airport, Authorize the Transfer of 4,880,000.00 from the Crime Control and Prevention District Fund to the Specially Funded Capital Project Fund, Provide for Additional Project Costs and Contingencies for a Total Project Cost in the Amount of 5,230,000.00 and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance (COUNCIL DISTRICT 2) Link 1. 2014-03-01 Fort Worth On the 342014 city council agenda: Authorize Execution of a License Agreement with the Citizens Support Group for the Fort Worth Police Mounted Patrol to Construct a Mounted Patrol Equestrian Facility at West Park, Approve Development Fee Waivers, and Authorize Acceptance of a Gift Deed Conveying to the City of Fort Worth All Interest in the Mounted Patrol Equestrian Facility (COUNCIL DISTRICT 7) Link 1. 2014-03-01 The Colony Has a new apparatus being build at Pierce according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its job 27139 Link 1. Link 2 2014-02-22 Hurst Bedford was dispatched to assist Hurst on a structure fire Saturday morning. The garage was well involved, but out by the time I arrived. The boat was still well involved. The first link is of still photos, and the second has a short video. Link 1. Link 2 2014-02-21 Parker County, Aledo Please follow the link to a story about Parker County Emergency Service District. Part of the video shows a dedication ceremony for a new Pierce engine. Link 1. 2014-02-20 American LaFrance This is month old news at this point, but in case you havent heard, American LaFrance is out of business. Please follow the link for one article from FireRescue1 as well as FireHouse Link 1. Link 2 2014-02-14 Carrollton Has a new Ferrra IgnitorHD-107 rear mount with 1500-2000 GPM, 500 Gal and 25 Gal tanks for Truck 117. Thanks to Jeremy and Lindsay Photo 1. Photo 2. Link 1. 2014-02-04 Dallas Box 4 is proud to host the 2014 IFBA Convention in Dallas, Texas September 3-6, 2014 Link 1. 2014-01-27 Ferris Just took delivery of their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs Aluminum Body, Cummins ISC 380hp engine, Hale 1500GPM pump, 1000 gallon UPF water tank, Akron Scene Star brow and side lights and Whelen 600 series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Metro Star X MFD chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2014-01-26 Carrollton Carrollton put Station 8 into service in December 2013. Also Engine 117 is a new rear mount quint (not sure how long it has been in service) and has recently been re-designated Truck 117. Thanks to Andrew Link 1. 2014-01-25 Southlake Heres a WFAA News 8 story about Southlake DPSs new facility. Thanks to Travis Link 1. 2014-01-24 The Colony Has a new apparatus being build at Pierce according to the Siddons-Martin website. Link 1. 2014-01-22 Grapevine Will had a ceremony 1222014 at 16:00 at Fire Station 1, for the new Pierce Truck 1 being placed into service. Please follow the link to their Facebook page for details. Ive added the photos that I took, to the second link. Great job Grapevine Fire Department. Thanks for sharing the tradition Link 1. Link 2 2014-01-21 Arlington There are several new police vehicles on the city council agenda for the 21st. 11 Tahoes, 14 Chargers, and a critical response vehicle from LDV costing 261,869. Please see link for details. Link 1. 2014-01-18 Greenville Follow the link to an article about a very significant donation Greenville Fire Department. The article is by Brad Kellar of The Herald Banner Link 1. 2014-01-17 Bedford Follow the link for some photos and video of a house fire on Jasmine Ct. Link 1. Link 2 2014-01-17 Mesquite Just took delivery of two more Spartan ERV pumpers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. These units features Spartan ERVs Star Series Body with smart storage, Cummins ISL 450hp engine, Hale QMAX 1500GPM pump, Foam Pro 2001 Class AB foam system w2030 gallon tanks, 500 gallon UPF water tank, TFT Hurricane RC deck gun, Whelen Pioneer Scene lights, and Whelen M6 series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Metro Star EMFD chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. Link 1. 2014-01-16 Cleburne Cleburne City Council members on Tuesday approved purchase of a new fire truck from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists at a cost of 506,479. - See more at: the link. Link 1. 2014-01-10 Frisco Has a new quint being built at Pierce according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its expected to go to Station 8. Thanks to Mike Link 1. 2014-01-08 Hurst Hurst, Bedford, Euless, Fort Worth, Richland Hills, and North Richland Hills(I hope I didnt miss anyone) worked at 2 Alarm this evening at 601 Bellaire. Follow the link to see a few of the photos I took. Link 1. 2014-01-06 Malakoff Last month, Malakoff VFD took delivery of an E-One Watermaster Tanker that Malakoff VFD. Thanks to Maria at Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus Photo 1. 2014-01-06 Richardson In November, Richardson took delivery of a new Engine 6. Its an E-One Cyclone II pumper. Thanks to Maria at Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus Photo 1. 2014-01-03 Fort Worth City Council Agenda Item: It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of 135 police interceptor vehicles from Silsbee Ford, using Tarrant County Cooperative Contract No. 2012-151 for the Police Department in the amount of 3,335,445.00. Please follow link for more information. Link 1. 2014-01-01 Fire Scene Photography Some of my older fire scene photography can be found at the link. Starting in 2014, newer fire scene photography can be found on this page. You can use the department or category filters to narrow down the search for a particular incident. Link 1. 2013-12-23 Fort Worth Has two new 105 rear mount Smeal Quints for 23s and 24s. 2013-12-18 Ellis County Emergency Service District 6 has a new brush truck and E-One engine. Please follow the link for the article on The Daily Light. Link 1. 2013-12-16 Plano Follow the link for a Youtube video about Planos new Rescue Squads. Thanks to facebookDFWScanner Link 1. Link 2 2013-12-13 Copperas Cove Has just placed an order for their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 1500 gpm pump with Foam Pro 2001 foam system with 25 gallon foam tank,750 gallon water tank, 110v RV AC system, Onan 7.5kw diesel generator, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis. Deliver is expected in October. Thanks to Brian Link 1. Link 2 2013-12-13 Fort Worth City Council Agenda item. 1. Authorize the use of funds in the Restricted Residual Account for the 2004 Capital Improvement Program Fire Safety Improvements Proposition Four in the amount of 154,105.00 for a new project that is within the voted purposes of the bonds and 2. Authorize an architectural services Agreement in the amount of 149,105.00 with RPGA Design Group, Inc. to design the relocation of Fire Station No. 17 to the new Public Safety Training Center site. Link 1. 2013-12-13 Fort Worth The Fire Department, Emergency Management Office will use this Command Center truck to respond to large public events and emergencies throughout the City. The new truck will be a 2014 F-350 Ford Super Duty 4 x 4 Crew Cab with a Command Center Fire package upgrade. Upgrades will include chassis and truck bed modification as well as emergency lighting and sirens. Follow link for more details. Link 1. 2013-12-13 Garland Has a new Pierce truck on the line according to the Siddons-Martin website. Link 1. 2013-12-13 Keller Has just placed an order for their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Hale QMAX 1500 gpm pump with Rowe CAFS system, 500 gallon water tank, Domitec 110v AC, Onan 7.5kw diesel generator, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis. Deliver is expected in October. Thanks to Brian Link 1. Link 2 2013-12-13 Roanoke Has just placed an order for their first Spartan ERV 103 quint from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs Greaseless 103 steel ladder, aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Waterous 2000 gpm pump with Foam Pro 1600 foam system with 20 gallon foam tank, 500 gallon water tank, Spartan ERVs 16kw generator with idle reduction technology, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Deliver is expected in October. Thanks to Brian Link 1. Link 2 2013-12-13 Whitehouse Has just placed an order for their second Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum Star Series body, Waterous 1500 gpm pump with Spartan ERVs One-Touch CAFS system with 30 gallon foam tank, 1000 gallon water tank, 110v RV AC system, Onan 7.5kw diesel generator, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis. Deliver is expected in October. Thanks to Brian Link 1. Link 2 2013-12-11 Grapevine Follow the link for a story that aired on CBS 11 News this morning. It features the new Pierce 100 Truck One Link 1. 2013-12-09 Wylie Has taken delivery of two (2) Rosenbauer Commander Custom quints with the 68 3-section Roadrunner Tele-boom. The apparatus have CAFS foam, 1750 gpm single stage pumps, Rosenbauer ext extruded aluminum bodies. Thanks to Ed at Daco Fire Equipment and Lindsay Dye for photos Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. 2013-12-05 Bedford Bedford as a new Tahoe for the Fire Inspector, a Suburban for Battalion 15. They join Medic 151 and Engine 152 with the new black over red paint and graphics scheme. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Photo 4. 2013-12-03 Fort Worth City Council Agenda Item: It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of two 2013 Kawasaki Mules and two 2014 Club Cars from Metro Golf Cars using a Texas Multiple Award Schedule Cooperative Contract No. 9-78040 for the Fire Department in the amount of 72,919.40. Click link for more details. Link 1. 2013-12-02 Grapevine Here are a couple of photos of the new Pierce Dash CF. It went into service recently. Photo 1. Photo 2. 2013-11-02 Bedford Bedford Citizens Fire Academy classes 22 and 23 were welcome to DFW Airports fire training center today. DFW, M153, and T153 were great hosts, and everyone had a great time. Follow the link for photos. The newest Oshkosh Stryker, EZ42 is featured. Link 1. 2013-11-01 El Paso El Paso fire department is in the process of receiving their 2nd 78 Rosenbauer aerial ladder. The truck is a Rosenbauer 1500 GPM CAFS custom 78 ladder, Waterous pump and CAFS foam system, 300 gallon poly booster tank, 20 and 30 gallon foam cells, FX aluminum body, Robinson roll up doors, side mount pump panel, Whelen LED warning light system, Rosenbauer 3-section 78 rear mount Smart Aerial ladder controls, Aerial Command Seat, hot dipped galvanized ladder sections, Spartan Metro star MFD cabchassis, aluminum custom cab. Cummins ISL 450 HP diesel engine, Allison 3000EVS transmission, seating for four (4), 56,000 lb. gvw. Thanks to Ed at Daco Photo 1. 2013-10-29 Ellis County Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus received an order from Ellis County ESD6 for an E-One Custom Pumper. Link 1. 2013-10-29 Fort Worth NAS JRB Naval Air Station Fort Worth just received a Pierce Impel Rescue. Rescue 1261 is a non-walkin with a comand cab that includes a high resolution tower camera, a vehicle stabilization system, 9,000 watt Will Burtan light tower, 4 bottle cascade system, 25k generator, David Clark wireless head sets and a 9000lb Warn winch that can be moved from the front receiver to the rear. It also has an access ladder to the 4 coffin compartments on the roof of the body. It will be a combined Haz-Mat Heavy Rescue that will eliminate multiple trailers now in use. Thanks to Captain Ron Sten Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-10-29 North Richland Hills Has a FrazerDodge ambulance on the agenda as well as a lift system for working on fire apparatus. Theres also a Tahoe and Suburban on the agenda for the FD and 6 Tahoes for PD. A fire apparatus is also mentioned in regards to a bond. Link 1. 2013-10-29 Texarkana, Morgans Point Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus received orders from Texarkana FD for 2 E-One HP78 decked out ladder trucks, Morgans Point Resorts for an E-One Typhoon pumper and Malakoff VFD for and E-One Watermaster. Link 1. 2013-10-27 College Mound College Mound FD took delivery of an E-One Tradition Pumper in August. For more information see the specification highlights in the 2014 Hall-Mark Texas calendar. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-10-27 Eustace Area Eustace Area FD took delivery of an E-One Tradition Pumper in June. For more information see the specification highlights in the 2014 Hall-Mark Texas calendar. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-10-27 McKinney E-ONE HP-100 ladder with Cyclone II cab refurbished in 2013 from a 2007 truck company with no tank and no pump to a quint. It was delivered to McKinney in August. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-10-27 New Boston New Boston FD took Delivery of an E-One Tradition Pumper in September. For more information see the specification highlights in the 2014 Hall-Mark Texas calendar. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-10-27 Rockwall Rockwall received an E-One Cyclone II HP100 Platform and a pumper back in April. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-10-27 Wylie Wylie Fire-Rescue will soon take delivery of two new Quints. They are equipped with Rosenbauer Commander cabs, Cummins ISL 450 hp engines, 1750 gpm Waterous pumps with (CAFS) compressed air foam systems, 68 Rosenbauer Roadrunner ladders, and 8 KW generators. The units will be put into service at stations 1 and 3. The current units will both go to reserve status. Thanks to James Photo 1. 2013-10-12 Bedford Bedford showed off two of their newest vehicles at the open house today. Rescue 15 pulls Swift Water 15, and theres a new Medic 151 in service. Photo 1. Photo 2. 2013-10-12 Grapevine Grapevine had The Big One tonight. 5 Alarms for 3 story apartments under construction, next to Grapevine Mills Mall. What a huge number of agencies on scene. Theyll be there all night, Im sure. I actually had more photos of fire than apparatus in this bunch. Link 1. 2013-10-12 Plano The Plano Fire Department build crew recently inspected the three (3) Rosenbauer Commander pumper chassis and one (1) Rosenbauer tandem axle 109 aerial chassis at the Rosenbauer Motors plant in Wyoming, MN. The department has made the change too the Rosenbauer 4000 series commander cabchassis and have gone to single color cabs. Thanks to Ed at Daco Fire Equipment Photo 1. 2013-10-07 Flint-Gresham Just took delivery of their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs Star Series Body with smart storage, Cummins ISC 380hp engine, Waterous 1500GPM pump, 1000 gallon UPF water tank, Spartan ERV Rapid CAFS w30 gallon foam tank, SVI Knight Light II telescoping scene light and Whelen 600 series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Metro Star X MFD chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-10-07 Forest Hill Just took delivery of their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs Star Series Body with smart storage, Cummins ISL 400hp engine, Waterous 1500GPM pump, 750 gallon UPF water tank, Spartan ERV Rapid CAFS w30 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer Scene lights, and Whelen M6 series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Metro Star EMFD chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2013-10-05 Bedford Here are some photos from a house fire on Shady Lane in Bedford, last Sunday evening 9292013. Hurst Engine 201 responded mutual aid. Link 1. 2013-10-05 Grapevine Medic 565 went into service several months ago. Its a 2013 Horton on a F-450 chassis Photo 1. 2013-10-03 Arlington Station 5 will be demolished and be replaced with a 10,000 sqft, two story station according to this Fort Worth Star-Telegram article. 5s crew and engine will work out of station 11 during construction. Completion is expect November 2014. Link 1. 2013-10-03 Irving Theres a City Council Agenda item requesting Approving the Purchase from Siddons-Martin Emergency Group in the Amount of 2,991,363.00 for Three Fire EnginePumpers, an Aerial Ladder Truck, and an AirLight Utility Vehicle through the Houston - Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC) Interlocal Cooperative Purchasing Program. Thanks to Will, Please see photo for a. pdf with details Photo 1. 2013-09-30 White Settlement Has a new Pierce Velocity 105, rear mount, painted white over red and marked Truck 18. It was previously a demo unit. Thanks to Travis Siddons-Martin Link 1. 2013-09-28 Euless Has a Pierce Impel engine in the works at Pierce. Link 1. Link 2 2013-09-28 Wylie Wylie Fire Rescue recently completed construction of their new water rescue package for urban flooding events. The reconfiguration of the existing package was designed and built by the members of the Wylie swift water rescue team. The package features storage for equipment, a 2013 Neoteric 65HP Hovercraft, Brunswick 14 RIB with 40HP ETEC, and custom built Performax double decker trailer with custom lift system. Thanks to Brian Photo 1. 2013-09-23 Parker 20,000 CoServ grant to help Parker Volunteer Fire Department purchase off-road EMS vehicle. Please follow the link to the Star Local News article for more details. Link 1. 2013-09-23 Waco Has 2 new Pierce Dash PUC engines at Siddon-Martins being prepped for delivery. They be Engines 7 and 11. Thanks to John for the photos and info. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. 2013-09-22 Alvin Alvin - Just placed an order for their first SuperVac heavy rescue from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features SVIs aluminum 18 rescue body, Cummins ISC 380hp engine, 25kw Onan PTO generator, SVI Command light, all on a Spartan Metro Star MFD 10 raised roof chassis. Delivery is expected in April 2014. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. Link 1. Link 2 2013-09-22 AzleCrowleyTarrant Co Tarrant County ESD1 (AzleCrowley) - Just took delivery of two Spartan ERV tankers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Azles is a 3000 while Crowleys is a 2000 gallon. The 2000 gallon is on a Spartan Metro Star EMFD with APS (Advanced Protection System) air bags that includes drivers and officers knee bags, drivers steering wheel and complete anti ejection side curtains for all occupants. The 3000 gallon is on a Spartan Gladiator EMFD chassis with APS. Both will have a Waterous 1250gpm pumps, Spartan ERVs One-Touch CAFS systems with a 75 gallon foam tank for the 3000 gallon and 50 for the 2000 gallon. Both will have Xtreme duty interiors with Sparliner spray on bedliner, Whelen M6 emergency lighting and Pioneer scene lights. Photo 1. Photo 2. Link 1. 2013-09-22 Bay City Bay City - Just received their first SuperVac heavy rescue from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features SVIs aluminum 18 rescue body, Cummins ISL 450hp engine, 30kw Onan PTO generator, SVI Command light and Knight light II, all on a Spartan Metro Star LFD 24 raised roof chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. Photo 1. Link 1. Link 2 2013-09-22 Devine Devine - Just received their first Spartan ERV Legend Pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs Legend Series Body, Cummins ISC 380hp engine, Waterous 1500GPM pump with top operators panel, 1000 gallon UPF water tank and Whelen 600 series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Metro Star MFD 10 raised roof chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-09-22 Nevada Nevada - Just received their second Spartan ERV Legend Pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs Legend Series Body, Cummins ISC 380hp engine, Waterous 1500GPM pump with side operators panel, 1000 gallon UPF water tank, Whelen Pioneer Scene lights, and Whelen 600 series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Metro Star MFD 10 raised roof chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-09-20 Fort Worth The Police Department will purchase compact medical kits and replacement supplies needed to provide initial first aid to the general public. These kits are the continuing effort of the Police Department to upgrade the level of first aid training and the tools needed to render emergency care to an injured or ill person. This will enable them to take the first steps to identify problems, stabilize and prepare a person for further treatment by emergency medical personnel. Link 1. 2013-09-20 North Richland Hills The 9232013 city council work session agenda mentions the purchase of an ambulance and an engine, but no other details. Link 1. 2013-09-14 Plano Heres an article the the Star Local News about Plano adding 2 EMS squads next year. Please follow the link for the whole story. Link 1. 2013-09-09 CareFlite CareFlite Ground has taken delivery of 2 Frazer Ambulances. They will receive a total of 12 by the end of the year for their 911 divisions. Thanks to Jordan Photo 1. 2013-09-07 Haslet Has a new Pierce being built. Its job 27039. Its a Ford 4 door pickup chassis. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-09-02 Euless I finally got to see the new Squad 55 in person. They worked an accident at Mid-Cities and 157 this morning. Photo 1. 2013-08-29 Carrollton The Carrollton City Council voted 5-1 Tuesday night to call of 75 million bond election for Nov. 5. Proposition 3: The issuance of 14,500,000 general obligation bonds for public safety facilities (New police station facilities and a fire training facility). Please see the link for more details. Link 1. 2013-08-24 I visited my aunt and uncle in Chicago last week and was able to visit Fire Rescue International 2013. I saw a few Chicago apparatus as well as a scene from Chicago Fire being filmed. Check out the photos at the link below. Sorry, I dont have time to caption them all. Link 1. 2013-08-24 Lake Cities Has a new Pierce being built according to the Siddons-Martin website. Link 1. Link 2 2013-08-22 Fort Worth From the city council agenda. It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of a bucket truck from Philpott Motors, LTD dba Philpott Ford in the amount of 90,211.00, using the Texas Association of School Boards Cooperative Contract No. 358-10 for the Police Department. Link 1. Link 2 2013-08-22 Grand Prairie Has ordered a Pierce 75 ladder according to the Siddons-Martin Facebook page. Link 1. 2013-08-22 North Texas North Central Texas College regents voted to approve a new fire science degree and certificate at their regular meeting Monday. Please follow the link for the full story from Star Local News. Link 1. 2013-08-22 West Not only have Ada Michigan firefighters raised more than 12,000 to support a Texas fire department, theyre also giving them a fire truck. Please click the link for the full story from WZZM. Link 1. 2013-08-10 Garland Truck 5 went into service two months ago. Its a 2013 Pierce Arrow XT 1500-500-75 RM (Pierce Job 26274 Garland Shop 1300457)Thanks to Lindsay for the photo and info Photo 1. 2013-08-04 Denton From KXAS Channel 5 News, PHI Air Medical already operates four helicopters throughout Dallas - Fort Worth, and will now add a fifth later this month in Denton. Please follow the link for the complete story Link 1. 2013-08-02 Addison Has a new Engine 101 expected in service 852013. Its a 2013 Sutphen Monarch 1500-750-30A (Sutphen HS-5253). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2013-08-02 Farmersville Engine 182, went into service this past Spring. Its a 2013 International DuraStar by Deep South Firetrucks, Inc. 1250-1000 (Deep South A653). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2013-07-22 DFW Airport Has two new Oshkosh Strikers being built. I believe these two will have Snozzles. They are job s 1526 and 1530 Photo 1. Photo 2. Link 1. Link 2 2013-07-22 Midlothian Heres a photo of Midlothians great looking, new Engine 2. Two other engines just like this went into service at Station 1 3, also. Engine 2 is a 2013 Pierce Dash CF PUC 1500-750 (Pierce Job 26511-02). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2013-07-22 Waco Has a new Pierce apparatus being built. Its job 26592-01. A second engine is also on order. Theyll go to Engine 7 and 11. Thanks to John Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-07-19 Argyle The newest fire station in the Argyle Fire District is about six weeks away from being complete. Please see the Star Local News article at the link. Link 1. 2013-07-19 Fort Worth Fort Worth has an new ARFF for Meacham Airport on the city council agenda. Theres also an item about mutual aid with Saginaw. Photo 1. Link 1. Link 2 2013-07-19 Garland, Mesquite The rehab vehicle will be used by the volunteers of the Garland Fire Club to provide support to Garland firefighters at various scenes and events. Please see the link for the full story from Star Local News. Link 1. 2013-07-13 Fort Worth I havent been to a fire in Fort Worth in a while. This want much of one for photos, but it did require a 2nd alarm for manpower. It happened at 7301 Trinity Blvd, in a large warehouse roof top unit, around 17:00. I didnt have a great view, so I walked up to the freeway overpass for the highground. Link 1. 2013-07-13 Southlake Has a Pierce engine being built. Its job 26748 Link 1. Link 2 2013-07-13 Weatherford Has a new Pierce Dash CF engine being built. Its job 26546. Link 1. Link 2 2013-07-08 Keller Keller Fire Department Administration recently vacated its building in Old Town Keller and moved into Keller Town Hall at 1100 Bear Creek Pkwy. Please see the Keller Citizen online article for more details. Link 1. 2013-07-05 Frisco From the StarLocalNews Frisco City Council members unanimously voted in favor of the issuance of 20 million in general obligation bonds at its regular meeting Tuesday. The bonds will be used for the construction of Fire Station No. 8. Please see link for more complete article. Link 1. 2013-07-05 West Texas Ranagers Baseball player, Lance Berkman, has donated a refurbished Pierce Arrow to the West Fire Department. Arlington Fire helped in the process. Link 1. Link 2 2013-06-30 Azle, Crowley, Tarrant C Tarrant County ESD1 - Just did the final inspection on two Spartan ERV tankers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. One is a 3000 and the other a 2000 gallon. The 2000 gallon is on a Spartan Metro Star EMFD with APS (Advanced Protection System) air bags that includes drivers and officers knee bags, drivers steering wheel and complete anti ejection side curtains for all occupants. The 3000 gallon is on a Spartan Gladiator EMFD chassis with APS. Both will have a Waterous 1250gpm pumps, Spartan ERVs One-Touch CAFS systems with a 75 gallon foam tank for the 3000 gallon and 50 for the 2000 gallon. Both will have Xtreme duty interiors with Sparliner spray on bedliner, Whelen M6 emergency lighting and Pioneer scene lights. The Crowley Fire Department will be receiving the 2000 gallon and Azle the 3000 gallon. Both will be displayed at the Texas A M Fire School show on July 21st. Thanks to MFAS. Photo 1. 2013-06-28 CareFlite Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today an agreement for the supply of four Bell 407GX helicopters to CareFlite, a nonprofit 501(c) 3 corporation providing fully integrated medical transport across North Texas. The aircraft will transport ill or injured patients to critical care facilities, serving more than 100 counties within a 150-mile radius of the DallasFort Worth Metroplex. The new Bell 407GXs are slated for delivery in 2013. Follow the link for more information. Im also told they are getting 2 EuroCopter EC135s the 2 135 for IFR and specialty flights (neonates). Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-06-24 Bedford Bedford worked a 2 Alarm fire the other night(6212013), in the 2100 block of Reliance. DFW Airport assisted with Fan 38, several other cities also helped, including the Hazmat team. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-06-24 North Richland Hills Has just placed an order for their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum Star Series body with smart storage, Hale QMAX 1500 gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, Danhard 110v AC, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen Led warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Deliver is expected in March. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-06-22 DFW Airport Has 2 new 2013 PierceInternational Rapid Intervention Vehicles numbered EZ19 and EZ29, featuring 500G water, 60G foam, 500 dry chem, PyroLance, too many cameras to count, pump-and-roll turret, FLIR, and more. Thanks to Jeff for positioning the apparatus for good lighting, and telling me about the apparatus. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Photo 4. Link 1. 2013-06-19 Addison Has a new Sutphen for Engine 101 according to the Sutphen Facebook page. Link 1. 2013-06-16 Colleyville Has a new 2013 34 ton Chevrolet suburban for Battalion 24. Thanks to John Photo 1. Photo 2. 2013-06-16 Dallas Station 2 (Northaven and Midway) is riding a new Spartan ERV engine identical to others recently placed in service. 2012 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 1500-500 (Spartan ERV 212090-04 Dallas Shop 12084) Thanks to Vincent and Lindsay Photo 1. 2013-06-16 Houston Just did the final inspection on five Spartan ERV pumpers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. These units feature Spartan ERVs Star Series Body with Smart Storage, Cummins ISC 450hp engine, Hale QMAX 2000GPM pump, 500 gallon UPF water tank and Whelen M series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Gladiator EMFD 10 raised roof chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-06-15 Grapevine Has a new Pierce in production according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its job 26555. I believe this will be a Dash CF 100 Platform that is due in August. Link 1. Link 2 2013-06-10 Irving Has two new Ford F-350 XLT Super Duty pick-ups for Battalion 1 and 2. They are configured like Dallas Fire Rescue Bat Chiefs. Thanks to Chief Porter for showing me Battalion 2. He says it will soon have a winch on the front, and the command area will be configured for a computer. They now have more room to carry SCBA and an MCI command kit. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Photo 4. 2013-06-04 Fort Worth City Council agenda item: Purchase of four Rosenbauer pumper fire trucks from Daco Fire Equipment, Inc. in the amount of 2,693,688.00 using Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Contract No. FS12-11 for the Fire Department. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-06-04 Fort Worth City Council agenda item: Purchase of a quint fire truck from Scott Fire Apparatus, Inc. in the amount of 808,347.00 using Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Contract No. FS12-11 for the Fire Department. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-05-30 Colleyville Here are a few photos from a 2 alarm fire in Colleyville on 5302013 around 20:00. I finially got to see the green LED ladder pathway lights on Truck 243. Very cool Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-05-27 Frisco Truck 603 went into service on May 21, 2013. Its a 2013 Pierce Velocity 2000-250-100 RM (Pierce Job 26293). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2013-05-27 Frisco Quint 604 went into service on May 21, 2013. Its a 2013 Pierce Velocity 2000-500-75 RM (Pierce Job 26294).Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2013-05-22 Dallas Engine 44 that went into service on May 16, 2013. Its a 2012 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 1500-500 (Spartan ERV 212090-04 Dallas Shop 12082). Thanks to Lindsay Dye Photo 1. 2013-05-22 Euless Has a Ford Attack in production at Pierce. Its job 26575. Link 1. Link 2 2013-05-22 Lancaster Has a new Engine 3, its a Pierce Impel chassis, 450 ISL Cummins, 1250 gpm Waterous, Husky 3 AB Foam, Whelen warning scene lights. Similar to their 2004 Arrow XT pumper at station 2. Thanks to Russell Photo 1. 2013-05-22 Sherman Has a new Engine 83, a Pierce Impel top control pumper, 1250 Waterous, 750 tank, Husky 3 foam, Hercules CAFS, Hydraulic generator light tower, Sherman is now 100 Pierce Mfg. Fleet: 4 front line Pierce Engines, 1 95 Arrow XT MM Tower. Thanks to Russell Photo 1. 2013-05-21 Fort Worth From the city council agenda It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of a Ford F-550 fire attack patrol unit for the Fire Department from Chastang Enterprises, Inc. dba Chastangs Bayou City Ford, in the amount of 200,168.00 using the Houston Galveston Area Council Cooperative Contract No. Photo 1. 2013-05-21 Fort Worth From the city council agenda It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of a Ford F-450 brush truck for the Fire Department from Chastang Enterprises, Inc. dba Chastangs Bayou City Ford in the amount of 158,485.00 using the Texas Association of School Boards Cooperative Contract No. 323-09 for the Fire Department.. Photo 1. 2013-05-21 Utah Not all fire related, but theres an apparatus or two in these photos from my vacation to Utah that past 5 days. I now understand what Utah Rocks means. What a beautiful place. Link 1. 2013-05-12 Dallas On December 5, 2012, Truck 50 was placed into service. The truck and crew moved over from Truck 26. The Truck Company at Station 26 is no longer in service. 2011 Spartan Gladiator Classic-Crimson 103 RM (Crimson 210067-01 Dallas Shop 11212) Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2013-05-11 Bedford Here are a few photos after Bedford tapped out a garage fire on Schumac last Saturday night. Link 1. 2013-05-11 Duncanville E V E N T - 2013 Fire Truck Pull - Its the ultimate tug of war challengeand a GREAT team-building event. Gather a team of 12 and join the fun. Your team will play tug of war with a 55,000 lb. fi re truck to compete for prizes and bragging rights. all for a great cause Bring all of your biggest fans to cheer you on during your pull - its excitement for all ages Link 1. Link 2 2013-05-10 Arlington Just took delivery of three more Spartan ERV Pumpers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. These units are exact replicas of all previous units and features Spartan ERVs Stainless steel body with Smart Storage, 750 gallon water tank, 1250gpm Waterous pump, Foam Pro 2002 foam system, SVI Knight Light II LED telescoping scene lights and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star Chassis. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-05-10 Copperas Cove Has just placed an order for their first Spartan ERV 103 rear mount quint. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum body with smart storage, Spartan ERVs 103 greaseless steel ladder with Roll Assisted slide pads, cab and body avoidance, Waterous 1500 gpm pump, 400 gallon water tank, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen Led warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Deliver is expected in December. Link 1. 2013-05-10 Houston Has 5 pumpers in production at Spartan ERV. They also have 3 103 aerials in production at Spartan ERV. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Link 1. Link 2 2013-05-10 Houston Just took delivery of their third SuperVac breathing air apparatus from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features SVIs aluminum body, Bauer compressor and fill station, room for spare air bottles and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Ford F550 chassis. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-05-10 Mesquite Just placed an add-on order for another Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This one will be identical to the one ordered in December. 2013-05-07 Early VFD recently took delivery of a 3000 gallon Rosenbauer commercial tanker built on a Peterbilt 2-door cabchassis. The truck has a Hale mg 750 GPM pump system, stainless steel plumbing, front bumper discharge, speedlays, hose reel, Foampro 1600 system, 3000 gallon poly tank, 10 rear dump valve, CT aluminum body with rescue style compartments, Robinson roll up doors, Whelen LED warning light system, Q2B siren and ladders stored in the body with right hand rear access door. Photo 1. 2013-05-06 Dallas Engine 19 went into service on April 29, 2013. Its a 2012 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 1500-500 (Spartan ERV 212090-03 Dallas Shop 12081). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-05-04 Benbrook E V E N T - Public Invited to Benbrook Fire Station Ribbon-Cutting. The City of Benbrook invites the public to a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the renovation and expansion of the Benbrook Fire Station, 528 Mercedes Street. The event occurs on Saturday, May 4, 2013, from 1:00 p. m. 3:00 p. m. Please follow link for more details. Link 1. 2013-05-04 Colleyville, DFW Airpor Here are some photos from Colleyville Fire Departments open house at station 1 today. DFW Airport had their brand new Oshkosh Stiker, EZ 21 on display. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Photo 4. Link 1. 2013-05-03 Fort Worth From the 572013 City Council Agenda - It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of eighty police interceptor vehicles from Philpott Motors, LTD dba Philpott Ford, using Tarrant County Cooperative Contract No. 2012-151 for the Police Department in the amount of 2,039,360.00. Link 1. 2013-05-01 Dallas Here are a couple of links regarding a new station 27. The second link, from a 2 year old document indicates the station should be finished July of 2013, and that the current station will be replaced, not moved. If you have any updates to this information or status, please let me know, and Ill post it here. Thanks to Zack Link 1. Link 2 2013-04-29 Dallas On December 5, 2012, the USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) unit was transferred to Station 33 from Station 15. Along with the apparatus transfer, the crews were switched as well. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. 2013-04-22 Dallas Truck 53, a 2012 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 103 RM (Spartan ERV 212093-01 Dallas Shop 12212), went into service about a month ago. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2013-04-22 Smith Co. Smith County ESD 2 has a CAFS pumper in production at Spartan ERV. This truck is going to Flint-Gresham Fire Department. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Link 1. 2013-04-22 Sugarland Sugarland has a 103 quint in the final stages of production at Spartan ERV. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Link 1. 2013-04-22 Tarrant, Azle, Crowley Tarrant County has two tankers in production at Spartan ERV. The 3000 gallon is going to Azle and the 2000 gallon is for Crowley. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Link 1. Link 2 2013-04-20 Frisco The May 11 municipal election will ask Frisco voters to consider an 8 million bond for an eighth fire station. The city of Frisco is proposing the fire station, which will service the citys southeast side, be built at the intersection of Independence Parkway and Rolater Road. from Star Local News. Please visit link for full article. Link 1. 2013-04-15 Dallas Truck 43 was placed into service about a month ago. Its a 2012 Spartan ERV Star Series Gladiator Classic 103 RM (Spartan ERV 212092-01 Dallas Shop 12211). This is part of the first delivery to Dallas under the Spartan ERV brand. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2013-04-15 Irving Heres a WFAA Channel 8 News story on Irvings Rescue 6 and its response to the charter bus accident last week. Thanks to DFWScanner on Facebook for pointing out the story. Link 1. Link 2 2013-04-12 San Jacinto County ESD Daco Fire Equipment is in the process of delivering three (3) Rosenbauer commercial pumpers to San Jacinto County ESD. The trucks have the Rosenbauer CT aluminum bodies, Robinson rollup doors, 1000 gallon tanks, 1250 GPM pumps, electric ladder rack, booster reel mounted under the crew cab area, Akron Scenestar LED lights, Freightliner M2 106, 2-door cabchassis with Cummins engines and Allison transmission. Thanks to Ed at Daco Fire Equipment Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. 2013-04-09 Fort Worth Has a Ford F-450 Brush and an F-550 Attack truck on the city council agenda. Photo 1. Photo 2. Link 1. Link 2 2013-04-09 Fort Worth Heres a story that WFAA Channel 8 News aired last night about Fort Worth using more Attack trucks. Thanks to DFWScanner on Facebook for pointing out the story. Link 1. Link 2 2013-04-05 Hewitt Just took delivery of their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs star series aluminum body with smart storage, 1500gpm Waterous pump, 750 gallon water tank, Waterous Advantus 3 foam system with 30 gallon tank, Safe Drive video recording system, Akron Scene Star scene lights and Whelen emergency lighting all on a Spartan Metro Star EMFD chassis with a Cummins ISC 400hp engine. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-04-05 Los Fresnos Just took delivery of their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs star series aluminum body with smart storage, 1250gpm Waterous pump, 750 gallon water tank, Harrison 6KW generator with SVI KL-450 telescoping scene light and Whelen M series lighting all on an International 7600 4-door chassis with Cummins ISC 350hp engine. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-04-05 Scenic Loop Just took delivery of their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs Legend Series aluminum body, 1250gpm Waterous pump, 1000 gallon water tank and Whelen M series lighting all on an International 7600 2-door chassis with Cummins ISC 330hp engine. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-03-30 Midlothian Has three new Pierce engines being built. They are job numbers 26511-01, 26511-02, and 26511-03. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Link 1. Link 2 2013-03-28 DFW Airport 2 More Oshkosh Strikers via Siddons-Martin are on the board agenda. Also on the agenda is a new MICU(Ford), 15 police sedans(Dodge), and some Chevy Police Package Utility Vehicles. The ARFF Replacement program is outlined in the document under Photo 1. Photo 1. Link 1. Link 2 2013-03-22 Coppell E V E N T - The Coppell Fire Department will host a Fire Truck Pull benefiting Relay For Life on Friday, Mar.22, at noon in the parking lot of Wagon Wheel Park, 345 Freeport Parkway, Coppell. Community and corporate teams are invited to battle for the strongest as they pull a 55,000-pound fire truck to raise money for Relay for Life, supporting the American Cancer Society. The teams with the Fastest Team Pull and Most Money Raised will be named the 2013 Fire Truck Pull Challenge Champions Please visit the first link for more details. Link 1. Link 2 2013-03-22 DFW Airport This is one of four Oshkosh Striker 4500 series ARFF units that are being delivered this month (by lowboy direct) to DFW Airport. There are also (2) IHC Chassis RIV units with waterfoam and dry chem as well as a Pyrolance system that will deliver in May. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-03-22 Euless Has a PierceFord 550 Attack on order. Thanks to Travis at Siddons-Martin Link 1. 2013-03-22 Grapevine Has a Dash CF 100 Platform that is due out in August. Thanks to Travis at Siddons-Martin Link 1. 2013-03-22 Midlothian Has 3 Dash CF pumpers due out in May. Thanks to Travis at Siddons-Martin Link 1. 2013-03-22 Parker County ESD 1 Is receiving two Impel pumpers with 1500 hale pumps, 1000 water and Hercules CAFS. They have ISL 450 engines and seating for 5. These trucks have TAK-4 suspension and hydraulic rescue reels in the rear compartment and Akron LED lighting. They will be at the Silver Creek and Springtown stations. Thanks to Travis at Siddons-Martin Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-03-22 Weatherford Has a Pierce Dash CF engine due around August. Thanks to Travis at Siddons-Martin Link 1. 2013-03-21 Killeen Just took delivery of three more Spartan ERV pumpers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs star series stainless steel body with smart storage, 2000gpm Hale QMAX pump, 1000 gallon water tank, Hale Foam Logic foam system with 30 gallon tank, Built in Elkhart foam educator with 30 gallon foam tank, Harrison 10kw generator and Whelen M series lighting all on a Spartan Gladiator LFD chassis with Cummins ISX 500hp engine. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-03-21 League City Just took delivery of another pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs star series aluminum body with smart storage, 2000gpm Waterous pump, 500 gallon water tank, Foam Pro 2002 foam system with 50 gallon tank and Whelen M series lighting all on a Spartan Gladiator LFD chassis with Cummins ISC 450hp engine. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-03-21 League City Just took delivery of their first Spartan ERV 100 aerial from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs 100 1500lb tip load greaseless steel ladder with Roll Assisted Slide Pads (RASP), auto level, auto outrigger stow, star series stainless steel body with smart storage, 2000gpm Waterous pump, 300 gallon water tank, Foam Pro 2002 foam system with 50 gallon tank, Harrison 10kw generator and Whelen M series lighting all on a Spartan Gladiator LFD chassis with Cummins ISX 500hp engine. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-03-21 Tyler Has just placed an order for their 10th Spartan ERV engine and their first two Spartan ERV 103 rear mount quints. The engine will be a replica of all previous units with the exception of a Waterous Eclipse CAFS system. This engine features Spartan ERVs stainless steel body with smart storage, 500 gallon water tank, Harrison 8kw generator and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Deliver is expected in December. The aerials will be the first new aerial in Tyler since 2000 and will feature an aluminum body with smart storage, Spartan ERVs 103 greaseless steel ladder with Roll Assisted slide pads, cab and body avoidance, Waterous 1500 gpm pump, 300 gallon water tank, Harrison 10kw generator, Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen Led warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Deliver is expected in December. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Link 1. 2013-03-20 DFW Airport Heres an articlevideoblog from the Star-Telegram Sky Talk section about the new training facility upgrades. Link 1. Link 2 2013-03-18 Denton Took delivery of a new Pierce Velocity engine, that will be assigned to Station 4. Thanks to Zack Photo 1. Link 1. Link 2 2013-03-16 Haltom City, Grapevine, Thanks for the firefighters at Haltom City and Grapevine who were so helpful and generous with their time today. I got to try out my new Nikon D7100 camera on some shiney new apparatus, and one very important old one from FDNY. Please visit the link to see all of the photos. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Photo 4. Link 1. 2013-03-09 Grand Prairie Heres a link to a Dallas Morning News article on some potentional restructuring. Link 1. 2013-03-09 Red Oak Has just placed an order for their first Spartan ERV 103 rear mount quint. This unit will feature Spartan ERVs aluminum body with smart storage, 103 greaseless steel ladder with Roll Assisted slide pads (requires no greasing), cab and body avoidance, Waterous 2250 gpm pump, 400 gallon water tank, Harrison 10kw generator, Whelen Pioneer LED scene lighting and Whelen LED M series warning lights all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Deliver is expected in December. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Photo 1. 2013-03-03 Arlington Just placed an order for another Spartan ERV Pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit is an exact replica of all previous units and features Spartan ERVs Stainless steel body with Smart Storage, 750 gallon water tank, 1250gpm Waterous pump, Foam Pro 2002 foam system, SVI Knight Light II telescoping scene lights and Whelen LED warning lights all on a Spartan Metro Star Chassis. Delivery is expected in October. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Link 1. Link 2 2013-03-02 Fort Worth Here are few photos of Fort Worth apparatus at the Bass Performance Hall after a small fire involving drapery near the stage this evening. The trailer-mounted Super Fan, (SVISuperVac) was called in to help ventilate. Link 1. Link 2 2013-03-01 Fort Worth City Council Agenda Item: It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of two quint fire trucks from Scott Fire Apparatus, Inc. in the amount of 1,605,694.00 for the Fire Department, using Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Contract No. FS12-11. The quint fire trucks will be used in daily operations by firefighters to transport personnel and equipment to fires, hazardous incidents and other emergency situations. The two units will be 2013 Spartan Gladiator model custom trucks with 750 gallons per minute pump systems, water tanks, hose storage areas and 105 foot rear mounted aerial ladders, for a cost in the amount of 802,847.00 each and a total cost in the amount of 1,605,694.00. One unit will replace a truck that can no longer be economically maintained and will be traded-in. The second unit is an addition to the fleet and will be assigned to Fire Station No. 24 located at 3101 Forest Avenue in Council District 5. Link 1. Link 2 2013-02-27 Prosper Has a new Engine 1. Its a Pierce Impel PUC. Thanks to Scott for the photos and information. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. 2013-02-18 Frisco The Frisco City Council will consider calling a special election in May to ask for voter approval for 9.65 million in bonds to fund Fire Station No. 8 on the citys east side. Thanks to Dallas Morning News Frisco Blog Link 1. 2013-02-16 DFW Airport Has two new Pierce apparatus being built. They are based on an International chassis. They are job numbers 26278-01 and 26278-02 Photo 1. Photo 2. Link 1. 2013-02-12 Fort Worth Heres a link to a Fort Worth Star-Telegram Article - Fort Worth breaks ground on 97.5 million police, fire complex. City officials broke ground Tuesday on a 97.5 million police and fire training center and headquarters in south Fort Worth. Link 1. 2013-02-11 Plano Recently purchased three Rosenbauer custom rear mount pumpers to be built on the Rosenbauer Commander R611 raised roof tilt cab chassis. The units will have Waterous CAFS and will have the Rosenbauer Green Star IRT system. Thanks to Ed at DACO Fire Equipment Link 1. 2013-02-11 Plano Purchased their 4th Rosenbauer 109 rear mount Smart Aerial that will be built on a Commander R608 raised roof tilt cab chassis and will feature the Green Star IRT system. Delivery should be january 2014. Thanks to Ed at DACO Fire Equipment Link 1. 2013-02-10 Bedford Here are some photos from a 2, possibly 3 alarm, fire in the 1400 block of Shady Lane in Bedford. Link 1. 2013-02-02 Lancaster Has a new Pierce apparatus under construction according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its Pierce job 26430. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-02-02 Medstar From a Fort Worth Star-Telegram article: MedStar Mobile Healthcare broke ground Friday on a 60,000-square-foot facility in southwest Fort Worth that will double its size. Please visit the link for the full article. Link 1. Link 2 2013-02-02 Parker County ESD 1 Has a new Pierce Impel pumper under construction according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its Pierce job 26426-01 Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-02-02 Parker County ESD 1 Has a second new Pierce Impel pumper under construction according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its Pierce job 26426-02 Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-02-02 Sherman Has a new Pierce apparatus under construction according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its Pierce job 26422 Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-01-29 Fort Worth It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of three Rosenbauer pumper fire trucks from Daco Fire Equipment, Inc. using Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Contract No. FS12-11 for the Fire Department in the amount of 2,020,766.01. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-01-29 Fort Worth It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of fifty police pursuit SUVs from Baby Jack II Automotive LTD dba Caldwell Country Chevrolet, using the Tarrant County Cooperative Contract Number 2012-151 for the Police Department in the amount of 1,371,450.00. The pursuit SUVs are four door, high output 5.3 liter V8 powered, with a six speed performance automatic transmission designed specifically for law enforcement applications. Link 1. 2013-01-26 Keller E V E N T Open House. Details are being finalized, but the Keller Fire-Rescue Department is planning an open house at Station No. 4 from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. That station, at 455 Keller Smithfield Road South, is the new home of their latest addition to the fire department fleet: a 1.2 million fire truck. For more information, contact the Keller Fire-Rescue Department at 817-743-4400. Photo 1. Photo 2. Link 1. Link 2 2013-01-25 Garland Has a new Pierce apparatus under construction according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its Pierce job 26274. Link 1. Link 2 2013-01-22 Bedford Here are some photos of the Kwik Kar Lube fire at 2812 Central today. Arriving units reported heavy fire conditions and explosions. Later a dog was rescued from the building. Im waiting to hear how its doing. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-01-21 Hamilton Has a new 2012 HME-Ferrara Intruder 2 1500-750 (Ferrara H-5165) for Engine 301. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2013-01-19 Oklahoma Atoka, OK fire truck parade celebrates world record. Man, I wish I had known about this. I might have to make a roadtrip up to see the next one, or maybe well have something like it in DFW some day Link 1. 2013-01-18 DFW Airport The 4th of an order of 4 Oskosh Strikers is in production at PierceOshkosh under job PA1459 Link 1. 2013-01-18 Texas AP Article on Fort Worth Star-Telegram site: Texas agency seeks millions more to fight fires. The Texas agency responsible for fighting wildfires has asked the state Legislature for an additional 27.2 million to hire about 90 more firefighters and buy equipment as a rapidly growing population coupled with drought has increased the threat of devastating fires. Link 1. 2013-01-13 Denison Has a new E-One according to KTEN and KXII news sites. Photo 1. Link 1. Link 2 2013-01-11 DFW Airport The 3rd of an order 4 Oshkosh Striker 8x8s has entered production. Its job PA1454. Theyll have the unique fireant goldleaf pinstripe separating the white over safety green paint scheme. Link 1. 2013-01-11 Highland Village Has a Ford chassis on the production line at Pierce under job 26443. Link 1. 2013-01-09 Mansfield Has a new Brush 1 from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists on a Ford Super Duty chassis. Ill post more details when I receive them. Thanks to Brantley Link 1. Link 2 2013-01-08 Arlington Purchase of an Aerial Fire Apparatus (MO01082013-004) Authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve the purchase of an aerial fire apparatus with Scott Fire Apparatus of Houston, Texas, through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program, in the estimated amount of 810,790, and execute any and all documents necessary to carry out such purchase. Link 1. 2013-01-08 Arlington Purchase of a Fire Pumper Apparatus (MO01082013-005) Authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve the purchase of a fire pumper apparatus with Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc. of Houston, Texas, through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program, in the estimated amount of 515,433 and execute any and all documents necessary for such purchase. Link 1. 2013-01-08 Arlington Purchase of Two Brush Fire Trucks (MO01082013-006) Authorize the City Manager or his designee to purchase two brush fire trucks with Chastang Enterprises, Inc. of Houston, Texas, through the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative (TLGPC), in the estimated amount of 305,320, and execute any and all documents necessary to carry out such purchase. Link 1. 2013-01-08 Fort Worth City Council Agenda Item: It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of a paratransit bus from Alliance Bus Group, Inc. using Houston Galveston Area Council Cooperative Contract No. BT01-11 and Homeland Security Grant funds for the Fire Department in the amount of 88,870.00. Photo 1. Link 1. 2013-01-07 Mesquite Just placed another Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs Star Series Body with smart storage, Cummins ISL 450hp engine, Hale QMAX 1500GPM pump, Foam Pro 2001 Class AB foam system w2030 gallon tanks, 500 gallon UPF water tank, TFT Hurricane RC deck gun, Whelen Pioneer Scene lights, and Whelen M6 series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Metro Star EMFD chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Link 1. 2013-01-05 All Ive added a photo gallery for all of the images on this site. Check it out when you have a chance. There are tons of photos, so it takes a while for all of the thumbnails to show, but it should be easier to see a LOT of fire apparatus picsphotosimages this way. Link 1. 2013-01-04 Denton Has a new Pierce being build according to the Siddons-Martin website. Its job 26314. Link 1. Link 2 2013-01-04 Fairfield Just received their first Crimson Legend Pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Crimson Legend Series Body, Cummins ISL 425hp engine, Waterous 1500GPM pump, 1000 gallon UPF water tank, Waterous Aquis foam system w30 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer Scene lights, and Whelen M series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Metro Star MFD 10 raised roof chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2012-12-30 Eagle Lake Just received their Metro Fire Apparatus brush truck from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Metros aluminum Body, Ford Powerstroke engine, Hale HP 200 pump, 500 gallon poly water tank, CET class A system, Akron Scene Star scene lighting and Whelen M6 series emergency lighting, on an Ford 2-Door chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-12-30 Rio Hondo Just received their first Spartan ERV Legend Pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs Legend Series Body, Cummins ISC 330hp engine, Waterous 1500GPM pump, 1000 gallon UPF water tank and Whelen 600 series emergency lighting, on an International 4-Door chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2012-12-30 Southlake The new DPS North fire stationtraining facility is going up at Dove and White Chapel Link 1. 2012-12-28 Bedford Worked a garagecar fire on Shady Grove this evening. Hurst provided mutual aid. Click the link for photos. Link 1. 2012-12-22 Richardson Has a new Engine 1. Its a 2012 E-One Cyclone II 2000-500 (SO 137204), and went into service about a month ago. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2012-12-18 Keller Has new Smeal 100 rear mount platform, tandem axle, with a red aerial, white body, and very nice gold leaf. Theres one photo on the Smeal Facebook page, but its not a good angle. Here are some photos from 12182012, when Keller Fire Rescue presented the new Truck 584 to the city council. I think this is my new favorite truck. The colors are awesome. Link 1. 2012-12-17 Arlington Took delivery of another SVI rescue from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc(click here for photo). This unit features a 20 aluminum body, specialized storage for air shores, panels, lumber and a hydraulic power plant. It has Whelen Pioneer scene lighting and Whelen LED lighting all on an International Dura Star chassis. This truck will take the place of the truck trailer combination that currently serves the Trench Rescue portion of the Technical Rescue team at Fire station 8. Their current 30 trailer will be retired and the F550 rescue chassisbody will serve as their high angle rescue vehicle. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2012-12-17 Forest Hill Just placed an order for their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Spartan ERVs Star Series Body with smart storage, Cummins ISL 400hp engine, Waterous 1500GPM pump, 750 gallon UPF water tank, Spartan ERV Rapid CAFS w30 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer Scene lights, and Whelen 600 series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Metro Star MFD chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists 2012-12-16 Frisco and Prosper - Both have apparatus under construction at Pierce according to the Siddons-Martin website. Friscos has job 26293 and 26294, and Propers has job 26145 Link 1. Link 2 2012-12-13 Haltom City Recently took delivery of a Rosenbauer 78 rear mount aerial ladder(click here for photo). The truck has the Rosenbauer fx aluminum body, with Robinson roll up doors, side stacker style hose bed, 1500 GPM Waterous single stage pump, 400 gallon poly tank, full complement of ground ladders, rear mount 3-section 78 hot dipped galvanized ladder, built on the Rosenbauer Commander R600 custom cabchassis powered by a 450 hp Cummins engine, Allison automatic transmission. Thanks to Daco Fire Equipment Photo 1. 2012-12-08 Hurst I took a few photos at a 2 Alarm fire at TCC NE Campus this afternoon. Hurst had help from North Richland Hills, Bedford, Fort Worth, DFW Airport, and maybe some others that I missed. Link 1. 2012-12-08 Hurst Tarrant County College Northeast Campus fire, 828 Harwood, Hurst, TX Link 1. 2012-12-08 Somervell County Has a new 2012 Spartan Gladiator Evolution-Crimson 2000-300-100 RM Platform (Crimson 211123-01) for Ladder 1. It went into service in Glen Rose 1242012. Here s the official word from MFAS - Just took delivery of their first Spartan ERV Heavy Duty 100 aerial platform quint from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Ladder 1 features Spartan ERVs star series body with smart storage, greaseless 100 1000lb tip load ladder with RASP (Roll Assisted Slide Pads), ERVs smart hose loader, two (2) Task Force Tips Typhoon monitors, Harrison 10kw generator, Waterous 2000gpm pump, 300 gallon water tank, Holmatro EPU 60 Electric pump with front and rear core outlets, and Whelen LED lighting all on a Spartan Gladiator Chassis. In addition, The Somervell County Fire Department also bought a full complement of equipment all custom mounted by the Make-ready division of Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Thanks to Lindsay and Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc. Photo 1. 2012-12-07 DFW Airport Has two Oskosh Strikers being built according to the Siddons-Martin website. One is job PA1450 and the other is PA1452 Photo 1. Link 1. Link 2 2012-12-06 Bexar County Fire marshal office will be taking delivery of a new Rosenbauer Smart Cab walk-in rescue vehicle (photograph here). The chassis is a 2-door Kenworth with the Smart Cab option, seating for two (2) with high back swivel seats, a removable work table, air conditioning. aluminum 15 Walkin rescue body with hinged doors. Loaded with exterior storage space with roll out trays, roll out tool boards, shelves and dividers. 25kw Onan PTO generator, Command CL-602 light tower with (6) Whelen LED lightheads, two (2) power cord reels. Whelen LED warning light system, extended front bumper with a Dederal Q2B siren. Walk-in area has five (5) cabinets with sliding plexiglass doors and adjustable shelves, 3-person flip down seat, map desk, console for a TV wVCRDVD player, magnetic grease board, 120 volt ac unit for the interior rated at 13.5 cooling BTUs and 5.o heating BTUs. Thanks to Daco Fire Equipment Photo 1. 2012-12-01 Azle The City of Azle cordially invites you to a community Open House and Statue Unveiling for Azle Fire Station No. 52(click for photo), December 1, 2012,12:00 - 4:00 p. m. 900 Lakeview Drive (corner of Denver Trail and Lakeview Dr) (click here for. pdf version). Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-12-01 Prosper Has a new Pierce apparatus being built according to the Siddons-Martin website. Link 1. Link 2 2012-11-28 movie E V E N T - BURN(click for. pdf) is an action-packed documentary about Detroit, told through the eyes of Detroit firefighters. But BURN isnt just about Detroit firefighters. Its about ALL national first responders, whose budgets are on the chopping block. Its about the people you hope will make it to YOUR house when theres a fire. BURN is not fully funded for release. With your help, we can get BURN finished and in front of a wide audience, who can change the conversation for this countrys first responders. Produced Directed by Tom Putnam Brenna Sanchez detroitfirefilm. org facebookburnfilm DALLAS, TX NOVEMBER 28 7:30PM TEXAS THEATER 231 West Jefferson Boulevard Dallas, TX 75208 - Thanks to Kim Link 1. 2012-11-27 Prairie View A M Just received their first Crimson Legend Pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Crimson Legend Series Body, Cummins ISL 425hp engine, Waterous 1500GPM pump, 1000 gallon UPF water tank, Waterous Aquis foam system w30 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer Scene lights, and Whelen M series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Metro Star MFD 10 raised roof chassis. Click here for a photo of Engine 82. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2012-11-22 Haltom City Heres a sneak peak of the new Rosenbauer Truck or Quint 471. Thanks to Zack Photo 1. 2012-11-16 Weatherford Weatherford Fire Chief Paul Rust left council chambers with a big smile on his face after council members approved the purchase of a new fire truck. according to a Weatherford Telegram article. Link 1. 2012-11-12 Fort Worth Has a new Mobile Thermal Treatment Unit from NABCO, Inc. for the Fire Department on the city council agenda. The Fire Department will use this Mobile Thermal Treatment Unit (MTTU) to destroy live ammunition, pyrotechnics, illegal drugs, and other confiscated materials. The MTTU utilizes radiant burn design, eliminating direct burning of ammunition and has an active multi-staged filtration system that meets the Clean Air Act regulations for brass ammunition. The unit is designed to contain an accidental high-order detonation of up to two pounds of Trinitrotoluene (TNT) explosive. This capability is due to specialized use of United States Military Specification Steel and proprietary construction procedures. Link 1. 2012-11-08 Temple Just took delivery of their fourth Spartan ERV Pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Engine 8 features Spartan ERVs star series body with smart storage, SVI Knight Light telescoping scene light, Waterous 2000gpm pump, 1000 gallon water tank, Foam Pro 1600 Class A system with 30 gallon foam tank, TFT Hurricane RC remote control deck gun and Whelen LED lighting all on a Spartan Gladiator EMFD Chassis. In addition, The Temple Fire Department also bought a full complement of equipment all custom mounted by the Make-ready division of Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Thanks to MFAS Photo 1. 2012-11-06 Fort Worth Its not a fire truck, but worth mentioning. It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of a police rapid deployment vehicle from The Armored Group, LLC, using General Services Administration Cooperative contract number GS-30F-0020W for the Police Department in the amount of 61,343.00. Click here for the complete city council agenda item. Link 1. 2012-10-23 Travis County ESD 11 Will be taking delivery of two (2) Rosenbauer custom pumpers in the upcoming weeks. The trucks(click for photo) are built on the Rosenbauer Commander 3000 series custom tilt cab chassis. 11 raised roof 316 aluminum cab, seating for six, Cummins ISL engine, Allison EVS3000 automatic transmission, CT aluminum rescue style body, Robinson roll up doors, ladder tunnel with rear access, 750 gallon poly tank, side mount control panel, Waterous 1500 GPM single stage pump. Thanks to Ed at Daco Fire Equipment Photo 1. 2012-10-22 Athens Just took delivery of their first Spartan ERV Heavy Duty 103 aerial quint from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Quint 1 features Spartan ERVs star series body with smart storage, greaseless 103 750lb tip load ladder with RASP (Roll Assisted Slide Pads) and Elkhart wireless monitor, Harrison 10kw generator, Hale 2000gpm pump, 600 gallon water tank, and Whelen LED lighting all on a Spartan Gladiator Chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2012-10-22 Red Oak Just took delivery of their second Spartan ERV Pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Engine 181 features Spartan ERVs star series body with smart storage, SVI Shadow telescoping scene light, Waterous 1500gpm pump, 750 gallon water tank, Foam Pro 1600 Class A system with 30 gallon foam tank and Whelen LED lighting all on a Spartan Metro Star EMFD Chassis. In addition, The Red Oak Fire Department also bought a full complement of equipment all custom mounted by the Make-ready division of Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2012-10-07 Grand Prairie With some help from Arlington, fought a 3 Alarm apartment fire this morning. Here are a few of the photos that I took. Link 1. 2012-10-07 Grand Prairie 3 Alarm Silverbrook Apartment Fire photos 2806 S Highway 360, Grand Prairie, TX Link 1. 2012-09-27 Celina Heres a StarLocalNews article about 3 new vehicles Celina recently purchased, a Suburban for a Command vehicle, a Chevy 1 ton Brush truck, and DodgeFrazier ambulance. Link 1. 2012-09-27 Haltom City Recently purchased a Rosenbauer 78 rear mount aerial ladder, complete with green star IRT generator system, with Rosenbauers new commander custom cab. This unit will replace the departments 2000 model American LaFrance that recently burned. Delivery to be mid November, 2012. They also purchased a 100 Rosenbauer Smart Ladder mid-mount aerial platform. The unit will be built on the Rosenbauer commander cabchassis, aluminum body, and four section mid-mount platform. Delivery to be October, 2013. Thanks to Ed at Daco Fire Equipment 2012-09-25 Arlington Heres a Fort Worth Star-Telegram article about Texas Rangers Baseball player, Nelson Cruz, AMR, and the Rangers donating a fire trucks and ambulances. Cruz purchased an all terrain pickup chassis type engine, to donate to his hometown in the Dominican Republic. AMR ambulance service heard about it, and decided to donate a couple of ambulances, and the Rangers are helping with shipping them there. On a similar note, Arlington FD is donating an old engine to the Arlington ISD for their high school firefighting academy. Photo 1. 2012-09-24 Fort Worth The Bolt Street shop is preparing a new PierceFord 550 crew cab for Attack 29. Its a copy of Attack 33, and should enter service next week. It will replace Brush 29, which will likely be reassigned to another station. Several engines will once again be temporarily striped in pink and have the Breast Cancer Awareness Month ribbon and graphics for the next couple of months. The new Engine 22 is one of them. The old Engine 40s pink stripes remain, and is stored at Bolt Street. Attack 35, a Rosenbauer Panther 4x4 1500 GPMGallon ARFF is in service at Alliance Airport. The Ambulance-Bus that Medstar will operate and store at Station 5, was at Bolt St for final preparation(see the article mentioned below for more details). Here are a couple photos of the inside, 1, 2, 3. In addition to a 40KW portable generator stored at Bolt Street, there is a new cooling trailer for use at large brush fires or other prolonged incidents in the heat. Thanks to Jeff Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-09-22 Paris Has a new TIFMAS Type VI engine in service. Its marked E6-63 as seen in this photo. It will be stationed at the Central Fire Station in Paris, on N. Main Street. It will respond to fires inside Paris as well as mutual aid responses per the agreement with TIFMAS. Its a 2012 Ford F-550 Super DutySkeeter Brush Truck with 250GPM pump, and 400 gallon booster tank, and 9,500 lb winch. Thanks to Matthew Photo 1. 2012-09-21 Westlake Will be taking delivery of their new Rosenbauer Mini-Rescue with a CAFS skid. Photo 1, 2. The Rosenbauer Mini Rescue, has a 12 aluminum body with hinged flush mounted doors, ladder and backboard storage, two (2) hose beds, Whelen LED warning light package, Daco replacement front bumper with Akron remote controlled bumper monitor, winch mounted on a Ford F-550 4x4 2-door Super Cab with two-tone paint, diesel engine, automatic transmission, 19,500 GVW. department furnished the CAFS skid. Thanks to Ed at Daco Fire Equipment Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-09-16 Flower Mound Heres a photo of the new Engine 505, that went into service 9142012. Its a 2012 Pierce Velocity 1500-400-75 RM (Pierce Job 25384). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2012-09-15 Parker County ESD 1 Recently purchased two Pierce Impel pumpers and an IHC Responder. Thanks to Travis at Siddons-Martin 2012-09-14 Grand Prairie Has an apparatus being built at Pierce, according to the Siddons-Martin website. Link 1. 2012-09-07 Fort Worth Medstar in association with FWFD and local hospitals, now has a Multi Patient Vehicle15 patient bus described in this Fort Worth Star-Telegram article. It will be housed at station 5. Link 1. 2012-09-04 Arlington Has a couple of city council items on the agenda of interest. Purchase of a Fire Technical Rescue Truck (MO09042012-004) Authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve the purchase of a fire technical rescue truck with Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc. of Houston, Texas, through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program in the estimated amount of 299,994, and execute any and all documents necessary to carry out such purchase. Funds are available in the 2010 UASI CDWG Grant Fund account 228881 68200 228878. Purchase of Two Chevrolet Silverado Trucks (MO09042012-005) Authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve the purchase of two 2013 Chevrolet Silverado trucks with Caldwell Country Chevrolet of Caldwell, Texas, through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program in the estimated amount of 100,030, and execute any and all documents necessary to carry out such purchase. Funds are budgeted in Fire Department account 220801 6 2012-08-27 Arlington Just did a final inspection on a new DiveSwift water rescue(Rescue 7) apparatus built by SuperVac from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist, Inc. This features SVIs custom interior with space for wet suits to hang and dry, SCUBA seats, a work desk with built in toolpart cabinet, Carefree awning, Dometic RV AC, Whelen LED lighting and 8kw Onan generator all on a Freightliner chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2012-08-21 Bicycles, Inc. Has a former NYPD paddy wagon in service as a pedal wagon. Well use it for rider support at events, deliveries, etc. Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-08-21 Corsicana Just took delivery of their first Spartan ERV 100 platform quint from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Here are some photos (1, 2). This unit features Spartan ERVs star series body, greaseless 100 platform ladder with RASP (Roll Assisted Slide Pads) and dual TFT Monsoon guns, Harrison 10kw generator, Waterous 2000gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, Foam Pro 1600 Class A system with 30 gallon foam tank and Whelen LED lighting all on a Spartan Gladiator Chassis. In addition, The Corsicana Fire Department also bought a full complement of equipment all custom mounted by the Make-ready division of Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-08-21 Ennis Has a new truck in service. It replaces the truck that was destroyed at a fire last year. The replacement Truck 2 is a 2012 Sutphen 2000400 100ft mid mount platform. Thanks to Michael Photo 1. 2012-08-21 Fort Worth Awarded a contract for design and construction of the new police and fire training facility to be located at the former federal depot on Felix and Hemphill. Please visit this Star-Telegram blog for more details. Photo 1. 2012-08-13 Bedford Is looking for recruits for its Citizens Fire Academy. They need people to sign up so they can have a class this fall. If you are like me and not a firefighter, but want to learn more about the fire service, a Citizens Fire Academy is a great way to know more. If you live or work in Bedford, you are eligible. Please visit the CFA Alumni Associations website for more information, and an application. Please sign up by 8252012. Photo 1. 2012-08-12 Electra Vol. fire department will be taking delivery of their new Rosenbauer commercial Firestar 1250 GPM pumper(pictured here) on Monday, August 13th. The truck is built on a 2-door 4400 Series International cabchassis, diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission. The Rosenbauer FX aluminum body with hinged doors has a 1000 gallon poly tank, Hale DSD 1250 single stage pump, stainless steel plumbing, front bumper discharge, (2) crosslays, three (3) 2-12 discharges, one (1) 3 right side discharge, top mount control panel, FRC focus D15 HID pole lights, Whelen led warning light package. Thanks to Ed Beene of Daco Fire Equipment Photo 1. 2012-08-12 Grand Prairie Has a new 2012 Pierce Arrow XT 25392 (150047520f-ACAFS) in service for Engine 2. Thanks to Eric Photo 1. 2012-08-12 Irving Worked a 3 alarm apartment fire in the 5000 block of Courtside this evening. Here are a few of the photos that I shot. Link 1. 2012-08-12 Irving 3 Alarm Broadmoor Villa Apartment Fire Photos, 5000 block of Courside, Irving, TX Link 1. 2012-08-07 Frisco Heres an NBC 5 online story about Friscos growth, the newly opened Station 7, and the first steps towards building Station 8. Link 1. 2012-07-29 Burleson Im not sure how new this Rescue 171 is, but it is new to me. Thanks to Jordan Photo 1. 2012-07-27 Rio Vista Just took delivery of their first Spartan ERV tanker from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Its marked Tanker 176. This unit features a 3000 gallon poly tank, 750GPm Hale pump, storage for a dump tank and two hard suctions in the rear and all Whelen LED lighting all in an International chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2012-07-25 Sanger Has a new brush truck running as Brush 671. Thanks to Zackery Photo 1. 2012-07-22 Cedar Hill Has a new 2012 Pierce Dash CF 1500-500 (Pierce Job 25027) running as Engine 213. It should be in service within 1-2 months. The engine will be on display at the IAFC Convention in Denver next month. This is also the first Dash CF to be built and sold to a department. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2012-07-22 Pierce Will be featured on American Factory, on the Destination TV channel Sunday morning, at 9:30, Trek Bicycles will be featured at 10:30AM. 2012-07-20 Sheppard AFB Has a new P-24 Rapid Intervention Vehicle in service, described at this link. Thanks to David Link 1. 2012-07-15 Plano Heres an article about Plano adding a second brush truck. The new brush truck is the property of the Texas Forest Service, which is lending the truck to Plano with the understanding it will be available for regional and state-wide use. Link 1. 2012-07-13 Fort Worth Recently took delivery of 4 new Rosenbauer engines featuring rear pumps with CAFS, they are Engine 14, 17, 19, and 22. Thanks to Ed at Daco Fire Equipment Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-07-12 Tarrant County ESD1 Just placed their first order for two Spartan ERV tankers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. One will be a 3000 and one a 2000 gallon. The 2000 gallon will be on a Spartan Metro Star EMFD with APS (Advanced Protection System) air bags that includes drivers and officers knee bags, drivers steering wheel and complete anti ejection side curtains for all occupants. The 3000 gallon will be on a Spartan Gladiator EMFD chassis with APS. Both will have a Waterous 1250gpm pumps, Spartan ERVs One-Touch CAFS systems with a 75 gallon foam tank for the 3000 gallon and 50 for the 2000 gallon. Both will have Xtreme duty interiors with Sparliner spray on bedliner, Whelen M6 emergency lighting and Pioneer scene lights. Delivery is expected at the beginning of the year. Thanks to Brian 2012-07-10 Fort Worth Theres mention of 77M for a Police and Fire Training Facility as well as 4M for fire equipment in this city council agenda item. Heres an article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram about the center. Photo 1. 2012-07-10 Fort Worth and Arlington Have joined the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, according to this Fort Worth Star-Telegram Article. Link 1. 2012-07-05 article Insurance Companies Sending Crews to Protect homes - Fort Worth Star-Telegram Article Link 1. 2012-07-05 Farmers Branch Has a new 2012 Pierce Quantum 1500-500 (Pierce Job 25316) in service as Engine 132. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2012-07-05 Fort Worth The new Smeal 105 rear mount Quint 9 is in service. Id like to visit Station 9 soon, and get some photos, but until then, heres a link to the Spartan Chassis site with a couple of photos. Brush trucks for 13, 29, 36 are in make-ready. Thanks to Captain Robertson Link 1. 2012-07-03 Joshua The city of Joshua has started construction of a new fire station located on N. Main St. Thanks to Jordan 2012-06-26 American Eurocopter Had a flight demonstration of their new X3 helicopter for public safety customers today, at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport. Thanks to my friend Mark for the heads-up. I had a good view of the demo and their fire apparatus. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3. Photo 4. Link 1. Link 2 2012-06-26 Little Elm Fire Department has a new Medic 621, a Frazer Bilt Ambulance with a Dodge 4500 cab. Thanks to Christian 2012-06-25 Keller Administration will from its current location on Main St. to the new Town Hall, according to this Times-Register article. Photo 1. 2012-06-23 Plano Is celebrating its 125th birthday according to this online article. June 23 from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m. at Heritage Far mstead Museum, 1900 W. 15th St. Plano. Frei. 972-881-0140. heritagefarmstead. org. Photo 1. 2012-06-21 Fort Worth Has a Pierce being built according to the Siddons-Martin website. 2012-06-18 Aubrey Has a Pierce Velocity SLT on the way to replace an old Ford. Thanks to Travis 2012-06-18 Cedar Hill Should receive the first Pierce Dash CF soon. Thanks to Travis 2012-06-18 DFW Airport Has 4 Oshkosh Striker 8x8s (without Snozzels) on order that should be ready by the end of the year. Thanks to Travis Link 1. 2012-06-18 Frisco Has a new station 7 at 330 W Stonebrook Parkway. They went into service 672012. Theres a new 2012 Pierce Velocity 1500-400-75 (Pierce Job 26020) running as Engine 607. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-06-18 Grand Prairie Has a new Pierce Arrow XT for Engine 2. Thanks to Travis Photo 1. 2012-06-18 Grapevine Has a new Pierce Velocity PUC for Engine 563, and heres another photo. Thanks to Travis and Brad Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-06-18 Union Pacific Railroad Added (2) PeterbuiltPierce HAZMAT units to their fleet. One will cover this side of the Rocky Mountains and the other is going to California. Thanks to Travis 2012-06-11 Dallas Heres a photo of the new Engine 46. Its a 2011 Spartan Gladiator-Crimson 1500-500 (Crimson 211046-04 Dallas Shop 11093). With this one, all 11 new engines received in late 2011 are now in service. These are at 8, 13, 15, 18, 22, 28, 37, 38, 46, 50 57. The 3 new trucks received at the end of 2011 are at 11, 34, 41. Thanks to Lindsay for the photos and facts. Photo 1. 2012-06-09 Bedford I was at station 1 today for CFAAA Rehab team training, and saw the new Zodiac - SW15. Photo 1. 2012-06-09 Hewitt Just placed an order for their first Spartan ERV pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Crimson Star Series Body, Cummins ISL 400hp engine, Waterous 1500GPM pump, 750 gallon UPF water tank, Waterous Advantus 3 foam system w30 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer Scene lights, and Whelen 600 series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Metro Star MFD 10 raised roof chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists 2012-06-04 Dallas Heres a photo of the new Truck 11, a 2011 Spartan Gladiator-Crimson 100 RM (Crimson 211048-01 Dallas Shop 11213). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2012-06-04 Early Vol. fire department has purchased a 3000 gallon Rosenbauer CT aluminum body with hinged doors, commercial tanker, 750 GPM PTO pump, Foampro system with 30 gallon tank, front bumper discharge, booster reel and two speedlays, a 10 rear Newton dump valve with a 2-12 rear direct tank fill. All Whelen LED warning light system. To be built on a Peterbilt 6x4 2-door cabchassis, Cummins ISX diesel engine, Allison 4000EVS automatic transmission. Thanks to DACO Fire Equipment 2012-06-04 Eustace Area Took delivery of a new 4 Door International Pumper(photo of Engine 1) this week. This is Eustace Area Fire Departments first new Pumper. This unit will allow a crew of 5 to respond to an emergency with 4 being able to step off the unit fully dressed and packed out and ready for rescuefirefighting. The E-One pumper has a 1250 gallon per min pump, 1000 gallons of water, scene lighting, foam capability and much needed equipment to do their job. Thanks to Randy Harley, E-One Sales, Hall-Mark, Texas, Van Alstyne Photo 1. 2012-06-04 Southlake Heres a Star-Telegram article about Southlakes 3rd public safety station, which will be built at the northeast corner of Dove and White Chapel. The article states The 13.1 million DPS North facility is expected to open in fall 2013 with a fire station that will include a garage for the fire trucks and living quarters for the firefighters as well as an underground gun range and training classrooms for fire and police. Heres another article from the Southlake Times Star. Read more here: star-telegram201206044007224new-fire-station-will-be-built. htmlstorylinkcpy Link 1. 2012-05-23 Ford Heres an article about a concept fire truck that was used after the Arlington tornados earlier this year Link 1. 2012-05-23 Rowlett Has a new ambulance at station 4 It appears to be the same Dodge style as the others, but marked M4. Thanks to Jesse 2012-05-19 Briaroaks E V E N T - Will be hosting a grand opening ceremony on Saturday, May 19, 2012 from 11:00pm - 6:00pm to commemorate the opening of their new fire station 2. The new station is located at 8232 County Road 528 just off of East Renfro. Klicken Sie hier für weitere Informationen. Thanks to Jordan. Photo 1. 2012-05-18 Dallas City Council member Ms. Monica Alonzo, Fire Chief Louie Bright III and members of the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department are proud to announce the opening of Fire Station 50, located at 841 South Walton Walker Boulevard. The brand new fire station will go into service for emergency operations, at 12:00 noon, on Friday, May 18, 2012, and will be staffed with an engine (2011 Spartan Gladiator-Crimson 1500-500 (Crimson 211047-01 Dallas Shop 11090)) and rescue unit. Thanks to Terry and Lindsay Photo 1. 2012-05-17 Arizona Utah Here are photos of some of the apparatus I saw on my vacation trip to The Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks. Its beautiful out there, and I hope everyone gets to see it some day. Link 1. 2012-05-07 Grapevine Will be getting Opticon GPS. Check out the Grapevine Courier article for details. Photo 1. 2012-05-07 Watauga Has a new Pierce Impel 75 Quint 311 in service. They also have a piece of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center at their great looking new Central Fire Station. Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-05-06 Dallas Heres another new Crimson in service as Engine 38. Its a 2011 Spartan Gladiator-Crimson 1500-500 (Crimson 211046-05 Dallas Shop 11094). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2012-05-05 Bedford Worked an apartment fire this evening. They made a great knockdown. Here are some photos that I took. Link 1. 2012-05-05 Bedford Apartment fire photos from 1304 Sierra Springs, Bedford, TX Link 1. 2012-05-05 DFW Airport Has a new Airbus 380 Mockup for the fire training facility, according to the SkyTalk blog of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Photo 1. 2012-05-05 Little Elm E V E N T - Saturday, May 5th at 1:30 will be the grand opening ceremony for Little Elm Fire Departments new Central StationPublic Safety Center. Everyone is welcome to attend. There mention of it at this link as well. Thanks to Christian 2012-05-03 Fort Worth I heard Attack 44 checking radios on a new apparatus today. 2012-04-30 Arlington Fire station 17 opened today at 4016 N. Collins. This is a temporary station provide by the Huffines group for their Viridian Housing Community. The permanent station will be build further east of the current location once more infrastructure is developed. The station will house E-17s new 2011 Spartan ERV 1250gpm pumper, Brush 17 and Rescue 17, a Polaris ATV used for River Legacy Park. Thanks to Brian and Bob Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-04-30 Dallas Truck 34 went into service 222012. Its a 2011 Spartan Gladiator-Crimson 100 RM (Crimson 211048-02 Dallas Shop 11214). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2012-04-30 Dallas Here are the new Engines 50 and 57 (Went in to service 532012. Its a 2011 Spartan Gladiator-Crimson 1500-500 (Crimson 211046-09 Dallas Shop 11098)). Thanks to Joseph and Lindsay Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-04-28 Fort Worth E V E N T - Will have a grand opening ceremony for the new Station 5. Check out the press release here. Here are a few photos I took. Thanks to Captain Robertson for greeting me. He mentioned that the new Quint 9 will probably be ready in a few weeks, Station 5 will house the new Engine 5 as well as EMS 99. He also said that Attack 35, a 4x4 Rosenbauer Panther is now in service at Alliance Airport. He confirmed that the old Rescue 14 is now running as Rescue 38. Thanks to Terry Photo 1. 2012-04-25 Dallas Station 50 will open at 0700 hours on Friday, May 18, 2012. address is 841 S. Walton Walker Blvd. It will be in Battalion.6s District and house Engine.50 and Rescue.50. Thanks to Michael Photo 1. 2012-04-25 Dallas The city has purchased a vacant lot and a pool hall just down the street from 37s current location, and they are supposed to be responding from there late next year. Thanks to Thomas 2012-04-23 Dallas Here is a shot of the new Engine 37 which went into service 4-19-12. Lindsay says, Thanks to Lt. Weaver and B Shift for their assistance in staging the apparatus. 2011 Spartan Gladiator-Crimson 1500-500 (Crimson 211046-10 Dallas Shop 11099). And heres another new engine, 18. 2011 Spartan Gladiator-Crimson 1500-500 (Crimson 211046-06 Dallas Shop 11095). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-04-19 Fort Worth A new Quint 9 has arrived at the Bolt St. Shop. Thanks to Don 2012-04-18 Parker County ESD 6 has taken delivery of their 3rd Brushfighter series small CAFS brush truck from Daco Fire Equipment. The unit is built on a Dodge 5500 4x4 2-door cabchassis, 84 cab to axle, diesel engine with automatic transmission, 19,500 gvw. The extruded aluminum body has a front gated work station area with push in gates. Waterous DS100-50 CAFS skid, 40020 gallon poly tank, Hannay hose reel with a front Akron brass bumper monitor, remote controlled in the cab. aluminum treadplate body storage compartments. The body is built at the Daco fire fab shop located in Lubbock. Thanks to Ed Photo 1. 2012-04-14 Dallas Heres another view of Truck 41 a 2011 Spartan Gladiator-Crimson 100 RM (Crimson 211058-01 Dallas Shop 11215). and also Engine 13 a 2011 Spartan Gladiator-Crimson 1500-500 (Crimson 211046-08 Dallas Shop 11097). Thanks to Lindsay. Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-04-13 Grand Prairie Add them to the list of units in production at Pierce from the Siddons-Martin site. 2012-04-12 dealer Crimson now Spartan ERV - Heres a press release. I kind of like the Crimson logo better. Link 1. 2012-04-11 Hutchins Fire Rescue just took delivery of a new Frazer Bilt Ambulance. This is their second Frazer ambulance. It unit replaces a 12 year old Wheel Coach Ambulance. Info about Ambulance: Delivered on 4912. Put into service 41112 at Hutchins Fire Rescue Station 2 as unit 701. Frazer Bilt Type I Generator Powered 14 Module Mounted on a 2012 Ford F-450 Diesel. Module powered by a Onan 5.5 Gasoline Generator. Has Whelen M6 LED warning lights and Whelen LED Traffic Advisor. Carson Amplifier with dual 100Watt Sirens. LED Interior Module lights. Has Pioneer LED scene lights mounted on both sides of unit and one mounted on the front of the box. Thanks to Kyle Photo 1. 2012-04-10 Dallas Heres what appears to be another new one for Dallas. A Rosenbauer Panther ARFF marked 1 for Dallas Love Field, that Thomas caught being delivered by flatbed. And heres confirmation and a clean shot from the Rosenbauer site. Thanks Thomas and John Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-04-10 Dallas Has 3 new Crimson engines on Spartan Gladiator chassis, 1500500. Engine 8, Engine 22, Engine 28. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-04-08 Dallas Has new Truck 41, similar to the new Truck 11, and heres a photo. New Truck 41 Shop : 11215. Funny tidbit is that this Truck sits 3 shorter than the other new build rear mounts due to the low clearances at Station 41. And even then, the clearance is inches. Sounds like theres not much room in or around this station. Thanks to Jordan Joseph Photo 1. 2012-04-08 Fort Worth The new station 5 is now open on Evans. Thanks to Don 2012-04-07 Flower Mound . Grapevine, Cedar Hill, Farmers Branch - All Pierce apparatus being built now, according to the Siddons-Martin site. 2012-04-03 Arlington Squad 4 went into service on 422012 out of fire station 4 on the citys west side, with their new specially equipped 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. Squad 4 will provide EMS first response duties staffed with two people. This is the second squad placed into service in Arlington. Squad 2 has been providing EMS first response duties on the east side since March 4, 2011. Squad 2 also received their new 2012 Tahoe yesterday. It replaces a 2005 Chevrolet suburban. Thanks to Brian Photo 1. 2012-04-03 Mansfield Has a new Horton ambulance designated as Medic 3. Thanks to Brantley 2012-04-02 CareFlite CareFlite Ground division in Johnson County took delivery of the first of five new ambulances today(click for photo). All units will look alike when delivered. The new units feature 2 forward facing seats vs. standard bench seat, rear air dumps for easier patient unloading, retractable side step that actuates with side door, new designed ALS stack compartments, 360 degree Whelen Super LED lighting package, dual siren with growler low tone all on a 2012 Ford F450 Chasis. Thanks to Jordan Photo 1. 2012-03-30 DFW Airport Has some more 6 more ARRF apparatus coming from Siddons-Martin. This according to the 452012 board agenda. Approve Authorization to Award Purchase Order 263459, for Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Apparatus, to Siddons Martin Emergency Group, LLC, in the amount of 6,397,762.80. Existing apparatus will be tradedin on the new apparatus. Four (4) 2004 Oshkosh 4500 at 62,000.00 each (Total: 248,000.00) Two (2) 1999 Ford F550 RIV at 5,500.00 each (Total: 11,000.00) Link 1. 2012-03-30 El Paso Is preparing to put into service a Rosenbauer 78 rear mount 3-section aerial ladder as Quint 18. The truck was purchased thru HGAC cooperative purchasing from DACO fire equipment. the truck is built on a Spartan Metro Star chassis, Rosenbauer aluminum body, side load hose bed, 1500 GPM pump with a Waterous 200-SP CAFS system. Thanks to Ed Photo 1. 2012-03-29 Arlington Heres an interesting agenda item from the city council. In accordance with the Viridian Project Finance Plan and Development Agreement the Viridian Municipal Management District is delivering to the City at no cost a fire engine for the sole purpose of providing fire fighting capabilities and emergency services to serve the area of the VMMD and surrounding area. The proposed Fire Engine Lease Agreement shall continue until the Citys final inspection and approval of a permanent fire station, at which time, the Lease shall terminate and the fire engine will be conveyed to City. During the term of the lease the City will be responsible for all operational, preventative maintenance and repair costs associated with the fire engine. You can read more at this link. 2012-03-24 Farmers Branch Has a new apparatus being built by Pierce. Link 1. 2012-03-18 Dallas Has a new Engine 15, a 2011 Spartan Gladiator-Crimson 1500-500 (Crimson 211046-01 Dallas Shop 11080). They also have taken delivery of 11 other new engines. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2012-03-18 Fort Worth Heres a link to a Fort Worth Star-Telegram article about new public safety headquarters and training facilities. Photo 1. 2012-03-18 Rosenbauer A cycling friend sent me this photo of a Rosenbauer Viper Smart Aerial demo that he saw at DACOEmergency Vehicles of Texas. Thanks to Bill Photo 1. 2012-03-16 Cedar Hill has an apparatus(what appears to be an engine) being built at Pierce. Link 1. 2012-03-16 Watauga has a Pierce Velocity 75 Quint, unit Q311, that appears to be complete at Pierce. Link 1. 2012-03-05 Wylie Has a new Battalion Chief vehicle. Its a 2012 Chevy 2500 4x4 with Duramax Diesel Heres a youtube of it. Heres a photo of the right, front, and one of the rear. It was constructed by WFR personnel, and will be used by the shift commander on duty. It was placed in service on March 2nd. Thanks to Brian, Jesse and Gary Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-03-03 Farmers Branch Will have a grand opening of their new station 1 at 13601 Webb Chapel, from 10AM to Noon. See this link for more details. Thanks to Mark Photo 1. 2012-02-29 DFW Airport Siddons-MartinPierce Road Rally Southwest photos Link 1. 2012-02-27 dealer E V E N T 2272012 to 3152012 - Pierce Road Rally Southwest - at DFW Fire Station 6 on the 29th. Tell them you heard it about it here, and maybe theyll hook me up with some good swag Here are my photos from today. It was good to see Russell, Roger, Travis in person. Thanks for the goodies and meal. Link 1. 2012-02-26 Irving I was visiting the Irving Firefighters Memorial in Irving this morning, since they had asked to use a couple of my photos. On the way back, I heard a call for a car fire, and I was able to catch Engine 6 in action. Here are a few photos. Link 1. 2012-02-25 Southlake E V E N T Has a safety fair from 10AM to 1PM at Bob Jones park. See the Southlake Journal article for more details. 2012-02-12 Arlington Just did the final inspection on three Crimson customer pumpers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. These units are exact duplicates of the previous orders with some technology enhancements. One of these engines will serves as engine 17, the newest fire station to open in North Arlington in April. The other two will replace 2003 and 2004 model Crimsons at FSs 3 7. Three more identical units have been ordered with delivery expected in October. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists 2012-02-06 Allen Here are some nice shots of Allens Station 5 and their new Truck 5, that should go into service in March. Its a 2011 Pierce Arrow XT PUC 1500-300-100 RM (Pierce Job 24466). Theyre running a reserve until then. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. Link 1. 2012-02-01 Alvarado Fire Department recently received a new Squad 1 to replace their current unit. Unit is a 2012 Ford F250 Diesel with a slide-out and cover with side compartments for equipment storage. The new unit will serve as EMSRescue response. Thanks to Jordan Photo 1. 2012-02-01 Arlington I came across this info in the city council agenda, regarding the Viridian Planned Development: A temporary fire station, which is currently under construction at 4020 North Collins Street, will provide protection to this site. The estimated fire response time is less than five minutes, which is in keeping with recommended standards. 2012-01-27 Haltom City Has plans for relocating Station 2 from 4900 Waldemar to a new station at 5700 Midway. Thanks to Zack Photo 1. 2012-01-24 Azle Has just received a replacement unit for an older 2004 year model Frazer unit. The new unit is designated the same as the old - Medic 252. It is a 2011 Frazer on a Dodge 4500 chassis. The engine is a 6.7 liter Cummins diesel and the patient compartment is powered by a Onan gasoline generator. Interior and exterior LED lights and rear safety striping are standard. M252 utilizes a Sigtronics headset and audiovisual camera system to provide safety when in reverse and allows communication with the crew member attending to the patient in the rear compartment. Thanks to Steve Photo 1. 2012-01-20 DFW Airport The Oshkosh Strikers are featured in another TV show, called Heavy Metal Task Force, on The Science Channel. The worlds most powerful backhoe dredger digs up New York Harbor to clear the way for bigger cargo ships, a revolutionary new firetruck protects an international airport, and a mobile factory rushes against the clock to rebuild a railroad. It was originally aired, last night, but Im sure it will be on again, many times. 2012-01-18 McKinney Heres a press release describing some new wildfire resources and training. Thanks to Terry 2012-01-16 Maps I just added the Allen stations to my Google maps. If you know of any departments that have closed, moved, or opened new stations in the area, please let me know, and Ill update the map with the new information. Thanks to Mark for letting me know about Allens new Station 5. Photo 1. 2012-01-13 Watauga Has a new Pierce PUC on the Siddons-Martin website. Link 1. 2012-01-12 Fort Worth Here are a few photos of Engine 18. The apparatus is not new, but the company logos for the USS Fort Worth(G R E AT Video) are. Also check out this link for more info on the USS Fort Worth. Thanks to the crew for pulling it out on a cold day for me. Link 1. 2012-01-12 Grand Prairie CareFlite opens training center for nurses, paramedics, and other emergency medical personnel. Read more of the Star-Telegram article here. Link 1. 2012-01-03 SVI Heres an article about Supervacuum Manufacturing, better known as SVI and Supervac, moving their facility from Loveland, CO to Fort Collins. Link 1. 2012-01-01 DFW Airport Has 1.6M road on the boards agenda. This road will allow for the tug transport of decommissioned and stripped aircraft to the Fire Training Facility for use in fire training exercises. The road provides DFW Fire Services with increased functionality to provide training on actual aircraft instead of mockups. 2012-01-01 Lewisville Here is the new Engine 162 which recently went to service(2011 Pierce Impel 2000-750 (Job 24463-01)). There are two more just like this now in service as Engine 163 and Engine 166. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2012-01-01 Little Elm Has a new central fire station. If you have any details, articles, or photos, please send them to share. Thanks to Christian 2011-12-31 Bedford Here are some shots of my home towns newest engine, a Crimson Spartan Gladiator. The black stripes are actually reflective. Thats probably been around before, but I had never noticed it. Check out this photo taken with a flash. Thanks to FF Stoval and the crews for the tour. Photo 1. Link 1. 2011-12-20 Plano Heres an article on the Plano Courier Star site about some interesting station 4 renovations. Photo 1. 2011-12-20 Rockdale Just received their first Crimson Legend Pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Crimson Legend Series Body, Cummins ISL 425hp engine, Waterous 1500GPM pump, 1000 gallon UPF water tank, Waterous Aquis foam system w30 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer Scene lights, and Whelen M series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Metro Star MFD 10 raised roof chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2011-12-18 Mansfield The Mansfield Firefighters Association 3599 is having a benefit concert for one of their members in need. Photo 1. 2011-12-13 Arlington Included in the city council agenda is mention of the Light Response Vehicle AKA Squad program and two Tahoe. Search for Light Response in this document for further information. In another document, two unmanned helicopters are being purchased for the police department. 2011-12-10 League City Just took delivery of an SVI rehabilitation unit(RE-1) from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, inc. This unit features SVIs 18 aluminum body, Lima 40kw PTO generator, Bauer 13cfm air compressor with 2-bottle fill station, Knight Light II telescoping scene light and Whelen M series LED lighting all on a Spartan Metro Star MFD chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2011-12-10 Paris Just received their first Crimson Legend Pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. Engine 1 features Crimson Legend Series Body, Cummins ISC 360hp engine, Waterous 1500GPM pump, 1000 gallon UPF water tank, Waterous Aquis foam system w30 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer Scene lights, and Whelen M series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Metro Star MFD 10 raised roof chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2011-12-01 Arlington From the 1262011 city council agenda: Purchase of Three Fire Apparatus (MO10182011-009):Authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve the purchase of three fire apparatus with Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc. of Houston, Texas, through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program, in an amount not to exceed 1,542,299 2011-11-30 Wilmer Just took delivery of their first Crimson Pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist, Inc. Engine 461 features Crimson Legend body, Hale 1500gpm pump, Foam Logic foam system w30 gallon foam tank, 1000 gallon water tank, Cummins ISC 380 engine and Whelen LED lighting all on a Spartan Force Chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2011-11-28 Frisco Heres a story with photo of a new ambulance bus, similar to the one mentioned for Sherman recently. Link 1. 2011-11-24 Dallas Heres a video and another on the new Pierce Dallas Hazmat unit. Thanks to Bob, Seth and Lindsay Link 1. 2011-11-23 Frisco Has a new 2011 Pierce Velocity 1500-400-75 RM (Pierce Job 23650), that went into service as Engine 603 on 11112011. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2011-11-23 Red Oak Just placed an order for another Crimson Star Series pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit will feature Crimsons Star Series aluminum body with smart storage, Waterous 1500gpm pump, 750 gallon water tank, Foam Pro 1600 Class A foam system, SVI Knight Light II telescoping scene light, Cummins ISL 450hp engine, and Whelen LED lighting all on a Spartan Metro Star chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists 2011-11-23 Rio Vista Just placed an order for their first Crimson Classic Series custom tanker from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit will feature Crimsons custom Poly wet-side tank, 750gpm Hale pump, crosslays, hard suction storage, Newton Quick Dump rear dump valve, Whelen LED lighting all on a International 7400 series 2-door chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists 2011-11-17 Grapevine The city council is considering a new public safety facility, according to this Star-Telegram article. 2011-11-09 Fort Worth The Bolt St. shop is preparing the new Engine 40. Its a Rosenbauer, like the other frontline engines, but with some differences, so that it fits in the smaller bay of Station 40. Some of the differences are the front bumper is noticeably smaller, the cross lay area is smaller, over a mid-mountside panel pump, instead of the usual rear mount pump, with a command light. The overall length is shorter. Here are several photos: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Engine 8 is also being prepared. Thanks to Jeff, Homer, and Ed Photo 1. Link 1. 2011-11-09 Somerville County Just ordered their first Crimson Rear Mount Platform from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Crimsons 100 rear mount aerial platform with blue LED rope lighting, Whelen Pioneer 2 LED scene lighting, TFT Monsoon monitors, body avoidance system, Waterous 2000GPM pump, 300 gallon water tank, aluminum body, Onscene LED compartment lighting, Bauer Cascade bottle fill station, Harrison 10kw generator, Whelen M series lighting all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists 2011-11-07 Dallas Heres a photo of the new Hazmat 3, by Pierce. According to Lindsay, it is the first Pierce in the fleet since a 1981 Pierce Tower that served as Truck 18 and Truck 20. This 41 long truck went into service on 11-2-11.Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2011-10-31 College Station Has 3 new Pierce apparatus. The 100 Rear Mount platform will be replacing the American Lafrance Mid-mount at station 2. One of the Engines will go to Station 5, and another engine will be put on reserve until station 6 (info below) opens up next year. Also, the City of College Station has began construction on a new Station 6, that will be on the Corner of University Drive and Tarrow Street. It is scheduled to open in late 2012. Heres a photo of T752. Thanks to Billy Photo 1. Link 1. 2011-10-31 Parker County and Waco both of new apparatus in production according to Your Truck on the Line at the Siddons-Martin website. Link 1. 2011-10-26 Mansfield Has a new ambulance and several police cars in a new budget, according to this Star-Telegram article. 2011-10-25 Bedford The new CrimsonSpartan Gladiator 1500GPM, 500 gallon, engine is almost done, and getting finished out with graphics, radios, etc. and should be entering service in November. 2011-10-24 Lancaster A visitor of this website is looking for information on any new MICUs placed into service recently. If you know the brand, unit numbers, which station(s) they went to, or have photos, etc. please sent them my way, and Ill post the info to share. Thank You, Ben 2011-10-22 Fort Worth Has a Pierce Contender Patrol unit on a Ford F550 4x4 chassis on the city council agenda(Itll will likely be numbered Attack 9). There are also 2 Ford F350 4x2 units for canine(explosive detection) response trucks on the agenda. Link 1. 2011-10-17 Fort Worth I had the great opportunity to visit with a couple of the guys at the Bolt St. shop today. They have several new apparatus they are preparing and that crews will be trained on soon. Here are a few photos. Utility 6 (and another shot), Truck 1, Engine 8(without any stripes yet), Engine 15(with pink stripes for October - Breast Cancer Awareness month(heres another photo of E15 at an event at Baylor All Saints on 1082011), Attack 44 (without any stripes yet, for Meacham Airport). A new engine is due soon for Engine 40(itll be a couple feet shorter in length than the other engines to fit Station 40). Thanks to Homer and Jeffrey Photo 1. Link 1. 2011-10-17 North Richland Hills Has a new DodgeFrazier MICU running as Medic 222. Thanks to Erik 2011-10-12 Arlington Has 3 new apparatus(totaling about 1.5M from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists on the city council agenda, along with two Chevy Tahoes, and up-fitting of the dive-rescue van. 2011-10-08 Fort Worth The new Truck 1(a 100 foot, SmealSpartan Gladiator ) and Utility 6(by SVI) are in town. Thanks to Anonymous Link 1. 2011-10-08 Fort Worth Has 3 new Rosenbauer rear mount CAFS along with one side mount engines theyre about to receive. Heres a photo of the new Engine 5. Thanks to Ed 2011-10-08 Highland Park Has a new 2011 Pierce Impel PUC1500750 as Engine 331. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2011-10-04 Bedford Had a 3 Alarm apartment fire today. I was able to get a few photos. 2011-10-04 Bedford 3 Alarm Apartment Fire, 3028 Bedford Road, Bedford, TX Link 1. 2011-10-03 Ennis Id much rather report the start of service for an apparatus, not the end. This Sutphens last call, in Waxahachie, was caught on video by WFAA. Link 1. 2011-09-26 Grand Prairie American Eurocopter has a new KME ARFF running as Rescue 2. It compliments a smaller Ford F550 Rescue 1. Both are based at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport. Thanks to James Photo 1. Link 1. 2011-09-26 Haltom City Has purchasing a Zodiac swift water rescue boat discussion on the city council agenda. 2011-09-23 Fort Worth Has several fire department items on the city council agenda for 9272011. Remotec Robot upgrade. An X-ray system for viewing suspicious packages. 2011 Spartan Aerial (I assume a Smeal). 4 Rosenbauer Engines. 3 Ford F-550 Brush Trucks(with CAFS and front bumper monitor, for stations 13, 29 and 32). 1 Ford F-150 crew cab for the primary medical officer. Link 1. 2011-09-21 Dallas Heres a report on Dallas fire station construction from May 2011. Thanks to David Photo 1. 2011-09-21 Keller Has approved a new fire truck in the budget, according to this Star-Telegram article. 2011-09-21 Sherman Has a new ambulance bus. See the article from KXII here for some details. It can hold up to 24 patients, and is fully-equipped with statewide communications and remote EKG monitoring equipment. Thanks to Terry Link 1. 2011-09-19 Dallas Has a new 100 rear mount, Crimson Gladiator for Truck 15(Crimson 210067-02 Dallas Shop 11211) as well as a Crimson Gladiator for Engine 20(Crimson 210066-05 Dallas Shop 11085). Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. Link 1. 2011-09-15 Dallas The new Pierce Hazmat 3 is being prepared for delivery at Martin Apparatus in Denton. Expected delivery to Dallas is after the first week of October. Thanks to Roger 2011-09-15 Fort Worth The air and light Utility 6 by SVI is complete and features a lot of neat stuff. Check out the youtube video. Thanks to Kyle Link 1. 2011-09-09 Fort Worth Has a new bomb disposal unit on the city council agenda. A female restroom for station 15, and public art for Station 27 are also on the agenda. Photo 1. 2011-09-08 Arlington Has a this on their 9132011 city council agenda, Up-Fitting of Dive Rescue Van (MO09132011-004) Authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve the up-fitting of a Dive Rescue Van with Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc. of Houston, Texas, through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program in an amount not to exceed 199,709, and execute any and all documents necessary to carry out such purchase. Funds are budgeted in Fire Department Fire Operations account 220201 68200 and subject to FY2012 budget approval. arlingtontx. govcitycouncilagendasagendaevening091311full. pdf Link 1. 2011-09-04 Seagoville Has a new 2011 Pierce Contender (1250GPM1000Gal) as Engine 2. Thanks to Michael Photo 1. 2011-08-27 Trophy Club Will have an open house at their new fire station 10AM to 1PM, this Saturday. Heres a Fort Worth Star-Telegram article about it. Its at the 100 Municipal at Trophy Club Dr. Photo 1. 2011-08-26 Lewisville Has 3 apparatus on the Siddons-Martin Your Truck On The Line site. Link 1. 2011-08-21 Plano Heres an article on the new Station 13, and a few photos, Station 13, Engine 13, Brush 13, Reserve Engine 85. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2011-08-16 Covington Volunteer Fire Department is about to complete construction on their new station. Their previous station caught fire earlier this year and was destroyed. The new station will feature 4 drive thru bays along with a day room. The new station is located on SH 171 just south of FM 67. Thanks to Jordan Photo 1. 2011-08-16 DFW Airport I visited station 3 the other day after crashing my bicycle. Truck 34s crew and Medic 601 did a great job cleaning up my road rash, and bandaging me up. They said Station 6 should open in a month or so. If I remember correctly, the current Truck 34 will go to 44, and station 3 will receive one of the new pieces being built at Pierce. They were not sure where the other 2 pieces where headed. Thanks Station 3 and Medic 601 from 8142011 shift. 2011-08-12 Dallas Heres a document regarding the proposed truck relocations. Thanks to Justin 2011-08-12 Fort Worth Has an interesting item on the city council agenda for next week. This item concerns the Fort Worth shops handling repairs for Colleyville, Keller, and Southlake fire departments. It is recommended that the City Council authorize the Equipment Services Department to respond to the Request for Bid to provide preventative maintenance and repair services for the City of Southlake, City of Keller and City of Colleyville fire vehicles and apparatus. Another item involves purchasing SCBA and other public safety items through the Texas Association of School Boards BuyBoard. Photo 1. 2011-08-12 Waxahachie Has an engine on the Martin-SiddonsPierce Your Truck On the Line Site, along with several other North Texas departments. 2011-08-08 Dallas Is under going a lot of new apparatus assignments to stations. Truck 57 is moving to Station 9 as Truck 9. CBRNE 40 is moving to Station 54 as CBRNE 54. Truck 49 is moving to Station 40 as Truck 40. Booster 22 is moving back to Station 29 as Booster 29. USAR 19 and Truck is moving to Station 57 as USAR 57 and Truck 57. Thanks to Michael882011 Dallas - Has a Crimson 100 rear mount running as Truck 26 (Crimson 210067-01 Dallas Shop 11212). Thanks to Lindsay 2011-08-08 Terrell Has a new truck marked 5690. Its a 2010 Ford F-750 crew cab chassis 750gal250GPM with C. A.F. S unit. Thanks to Michael Photo 1. 2011-08-06 Arlington There will be a grand opening for the new Station 9. Click here for details. They moved 712011, from Cooper St. to Wimbledon Dr. They put their new Truck 9 in service also. Thanks to Chris Link 1. 2011-08-03 Article Ive often thought it would make more sense to use a highway constructioncrash attenuator truck instead of a fire truck for blocking accident scenes on the highways. Heres an articlestory about a fire department thats giving it a try. Photo 1. 2011-07-31 Bryan Just received their first Crimson rear mount platform from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Crimson 100 aerial platform with 6 waterway, Star Series Body with Smart Storage, Cummins ISM 500hp engine, Waterous 2250GPM pump with Hale Foam logic foam system and 10 gallon foam tank, 200 gallon water tank, Bauer cascade system with fill station, Harrison 10KW generator and Whelen M series emergency lighting on a Spartan Gladiator LFD 5 raised roof chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2011-07-31 Fulshear Simonton Just received their first SVI Heavy Rescue from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features SVIs aluminum body. Cummins ISM 500hp engine, Waterous 250GPM pump, 288 gallon UPF water tank, Hale Foam Logic foams system w 10 gallon foam tank, Harrison 30 KW generator, FRC Scene lights, SVI Command Light and Whelen 600 series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Gladiator LFD 24 raised roof chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2011-07-31 Houston Just received their first Crimson Pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Crimson Star Series Body with Smart Storage, Cummins ISL 425hp engine, Hale QMAX 2000GPM pump, 1000 gallon UPF water tank and Whelen M series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Gladiator EFD 10 raised roof chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2011-07-31 Houston Just received a SVI Breathing Air truck from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features SVIs aluminum Body, Bauer air compressor, Bauer model CFSII-2S fill station, Carefree awning and Whelen M series emergency lighting, on a Ford F550 chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2011-07-31 Killeen Just received their first Crimson Pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Crimson Star Series Body with Smart Storage, Cummins ISL 425hp engine, Waterous 2000GPM pump, 1000 gallon UPF water tank, Harrison 10KW generator, Whelen Pioneer Scene lights, SVI Knight Light II and Whelen M series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Gladiator LFD 10 raised roof chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2011-07-31 Lubbock Just received their first three Crimson Pumpers from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. These units feature Crimson Star Series Body with Smart Storage, Cummins ISL 450hp engine, Hale QFLO 1250gpm pump, 500 gallon UPF water tank, Foam Pro 2002 AB Foam system w30 gallon foam tanks, Smart Power 6kw generator, SVI Knight Light II and Whelen M series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Metro Star MFD 10 raised roof chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2011-07-31 South Brazos County Just received their first Crimson Legend Pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This unit features Crimson Legend Series Body, Cummins ISC 360hp engine, Waterous 1500GPM pump, 1000 gallon UPF water tank, Waterous Aquis foam system w30 gallon foam tank, Whelen Pioneer Scene lights, and Whelen M series emergency lighting, on a Spartan Metro Star MFD 10 raised roof chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2011-07-26 Watauga The city is getting their first Aerial truck, most likely in the spring. It will be a 75 Pierce Impel PUC from Martin Fire Apparatus. They will be trading in their KME Engine 313 towards the purchase. The total cost of the new truck is expected to be 799,885 after getting 40,000 on the trade in. City Council document. Thanks to Jeff and Bob Link 1. 2011-07-25 Burkburnett Has a new apparatus on the line. Link 1. 2011-07-25 DFW Airport Has several new Pierce Velocity trucks due in September. They include a 105 ladder, 100 platform, and another PUC pumper. Link 1. 2011-07-17 Dallas Has a new 100 CrimsonSpartan Gladiator, Tractor Drawn Aerial (TDA) in service as Truck 10. Heres a photo, courtesy of Lindsay Dye. Photo 1. 2011-07-10 Frisco Heres a photo of Truck 601, its a 2011 Pierce Velocity rear mount 100 platform, that went into service 1st quarter 2011. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2011-07-06 Johnson County ESD 1 has employed personnel to staff 2 ALS engines(click for photo) for the east and west sides of Johnson County. The engines are manufactured by Pierce on a freightliner chassis. They are equipped with a Waterous 1250 GPM pump, 1000 gallon water tank and a foam cell. They also have the latest technology equipment for fire and EMS calls. These crews had their official first day on duty on July 4th and operate Monday-Friday 7a-3p. Heres an online article on the Cleburne Times Review. Thanks to Jordan and Chris Link 1. 2011-07-01 Bowie Received their new Rosenbauer non walk-in rescue truck. The rescue body features two (2) front transverse compartments with full slide out trays, rescue reels, Honda generator with tripod lights. The rear area is the open design with a 500 gallon skid installed with a Hale pump system, stainless steel plumbing, and a slide-out hose bed mounted below the skid. The chassis is a Ford F-750 4x2, 2-door cabchassis with the Cummins engine. Thanks to DACO Fire Equipment Photo 1. 2011-07-01 Seagoville Has a Contender On the Line at Pierce. Link 1. 2011-06-26 Murphy Heres a photo of Murphys new Quint 1, a Pierce 75 Rear Mount Aerial (RMA), Velocity PUC 1500500, that went into service a couple months ago. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2011-06-25 DFW Area Here are some photos from a frequent contributor to this site, Seth Granville, who was visiting the other day. Thanks Seth, nice work Photo 1. 2011-06-24 Frisco Has what appears to be an aerial apparatus being built on the Siddons-Martin site. Link 1. 2011-06-23 Arlington Theres some information about Arlington Police Departments small unmanned aircraft on the city council document here. Another document talks about the Public Safety CAD system. Link 1. 2011-06-18 Mesquite Heres an article about the 135th Annual Training Conference and Convention hosted by The State Firemens and Fire Marshals Association of Texas. Link 1. 2011-06-17 Highland Park Has a new Pierce on the Siddons-Martin Your Truck On the Line website. Link 1. 2011-06-13 Arlington Has a new fire station, and remodel in a bond proposal, according to this Star-Telegram article. Photo 1. 2011-06-11 Tarrant County College Texas Firefighter Roundup training, please see this link for details. Photo 1. 2011-06-03 Watagua Is having a grand opening for their new fire station at 5909 Hightower Dr. The City of Watauga invites all Watauga citizens and businesses to join us in celebrating the Grand Opening of the new Watauga Fire Station, June 3, 2011 from 10:00 a. m.-1:00 p. m. Here are some of my photos from the event. Thanks to Mica Link 1. 2011-05-26 Kennedale Pierce has another nice photo of the new Engine 59 on their flickr page. Thanks to Zackery Link 1. 2011-05-25 Flower Mound Pierce has a nice photo of the new Engine 501 on their flickr page. Thanks to Seth Link 1. 2011-05-24 Arlington From the city council agenda - Purchase of Two Fire Apparatus (MO05102011-002) Authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve the purchase of two fire apparatus with Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc. of Houston, Texas, through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program, in an amount not to exceed 999,752, and execute any and all documents necessary to carry out such purchase. Funds are budgeted in Fire Department Fire Operations Account No. 220201-68200. Link 1. 2011-05-24 Corsicana Just placed an order for their first Crimson 100 rear mount platform from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist, Inc. This unit features Crimsons Star Series body, Waterous 2000gpm pump, Foam Pro 1600 foam system with 30 gallon foam tank, 300 gallon water tank, Onscene LED stik lighting, Harrison 10kw generator, Cummins ISX 500hp engine, Allison transmission and Whelen LED lighting all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Link 1. 2011-05-24 Wilmer Just placed an order for their first Crimson Legend pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Crimsons Legend body, Hale 1500gpm pump, 1000 gallon water tank, Hale Foam Logic foam system with 30 gallon tank, side mount pump panel, Cummins ISC 380 engine, Allison transmission and Whelen LED lighting all on an Spartan Force Star chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists 2011-05-18 University Park Heres a press release about their new engine. UPFD to commission new fire engine, named the Fighting Scot, the engine is adorned with HPHS mascot emblems. The University Park Fire Department will commission a new fire engine Wednesday, May 18. The ceremony will take place at 4:30 p. m. at the fire station (3800 Universi ty Blvd.). Manufactured by Pierce and equipped to UPFD specifications, the new engine is replacing one that has been in service for 20 years. Named the Fighting Scot, it is adorned with fire-axe-wielding emblems of the famous Highland Park High School mascot. While the new engine will certainly aid the department in its core objectives of protecting the lives and property of those who live and work in University Park, the department also saw its purchase as an opportunity to support the youth of the community and commend HPISD for its ongoing excellence. Highland Park ISD is deeply honored to have this state-of-the-art fire engine named after our mascot, the Fighting Scot, said HPISD Su Photo 1. 2011-05-17 Jenkins Located in east Texas, has a new 2000 gallon wetside Rosenbauer tanker. The truck has a 1250 GPM PTO driven Darley pump, 2000 gallon poly tank, aluminum body compartments with Robinson roll-up doors, two (2) speedlay discharges, thru the tank storage and Code 3 warning lights. The chassis is the M2 106 Freightliner, 2-door cabchassis, 300 hp Cummins engine and Allison automatic transmission. The department purchased the truck with a texas forest service grant. Thanks to Ed at Daco Fire Equipment Photo 1. 2011-05-16 Dallas Has a new 100 Crimson TDA as Truck 10 with a spinning LED light on the front. They also have 9 new 1500 GPM 500 gallon, Crimson Spartan Gladiators(photographed here with the protective sheets still on from delivery), with EMS compartments in the cab. They also have two new Crimson 103 rear mounts headed to 15s and 41s. Thanks to Michael 2011-05-12 Anna Has a new E-One Typhoon that was dedicated recently. Heres an online article with more details. 2011-05-10 Fort Worth Has an item on the city council agenda regarding the potential purchasing of federal property near Felix and Hemphill for a new Public Safety Training Facility. The current facility at 1000 Calvert will be affected by the Trinity River Vision project. Theres also an item about a whole bunch of money going to Motorola for radio stuff. 2011-05-07 Dallas 20th Annual Texas Fire Museum-North Texas Historical Fire Society Muster Fish Trap Park, Dallas, Texas 2011-05-06 Frisco Heres an online article about Friscos new station 7 to be built at Stonebrook Parkway just west of F. M. 423. Link 1. 2011-05-05 Arlington Has two new apparatus from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists on the city council agenda. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve the purchase of two fire apparatus with Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc. through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program, in an amount not to exceed 999,752. Link 1. 2011-05-04 Highlands Just took delivery of their first Crimson Transformer Pumper. This unit features Crimsons Transformer body (photo from back), a Darley PSP 1250gpm pump with CAFS, 750 gallon water tank, Onan 8KW generator, SVI Knight Light II light tower, all Whelen LED lighting all on a Spartan Metro Star Chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2011-04-24 DFW Area Some of my fellow diecast collectors were in town last week for a photography tour of the area, and some of the photos are available at this link. They got some great shots. These guys came a from all over the country. I wasnt able to join up with them, but while I was out on a bike ride, noticed Keller had their apparatus out, and two groups of guys were walking back to their cars. Sure enough, out of all of the fire stations they visited(they photographed 180 apparatus), I stumbled across them. Photo 1. 2011-04-24 Dallas Has a new Hazmat truck on the line at Pierce for Station 3. Link 1. 2011-04-24 Irving In March, received a 100,000.00 Assistance to Firefighters Grant to purchase a medic cleaning unit. Check out the video and information at this link. Link 1. 2011-04-22 Arlington Has a new Truck 9, a 2011 Smeal 105. It features 300 GPM300 Gal, with a bumper line, and will require an engine for aerial master streams. It and station 9 are expected in service mid June. Thanks to Bob and Chris Photo 1. 2011-04-16 Azle, DFW Airport, Troph STATION ALERT. Azle has a new station planned that has some opposition from its neighbors. I meant to post this after seeing a TV news story recently and forgot. Heres an article someone else sent in. Thanks to Anonymous. I was at a tour of the DFW Airport EOCAOC the other day, and in one of the presentations, there was mention of a Station 7. It appeared to be at the SE corner of S Airfield and International, and will be developed ifwhen they develop the south side of the airport for more commercial use. Trophy Clubs new station is shaping up nicely. Photo 1. 2011-04-13 Dallas Has a new Ford F Series pick-up for EOD. Thanks to Seth Photo 1. 2011-04-12 Bedford Has a Crimson engine on the city council agenda, as well as a maintenance contract with First Vehicle Services, Inc. Updated: Just placed an order for their first Crimson Star Series Pumper. This unit features Crimsons Star Series body with smart storage, a Waterous 1500GPM pump, Foam Pro 2002 class A foam system with 30 gallon foam tank, Onan 7.5kw Quiet Diesel generator, SuperVac Knight Light II and Whelen LED lighting all on a Spartan Metro Star Chassis. Sounds like itll have a black top too. Thanks to Metro Fire apparatus Specialists Link 1. 2011-04-12 Fort Worth Theres a Rosenbauer 4x4 ARFF on the city council agenda for Alliance Airport. 2011-04-12 Texas The Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) will deliver on Tuesday, Feb. 15 more than 800,000 worth of equipment to eight fire departments as part of a grant program administered through Texas Forest Service. The awarding of this equipment is the first of its kind and is part of a long-term strategic plan to develop TIFMAS resources around the state. See more here. Thanks to Seth Link 1. 2011-04-01 Coppell Has two units on the line at Pierce. Theres lots of other local stuff on the line for Pierce. Link 1. 2011-04-01 Fort Worth Theres an item on the city council agenda for the Police Air Support Units move to Meacham Airport. Link 1. 2011-03-21 Carrollton Has a new Engine 111 that should enter service today. Its a 2011 Ferrara Inferno 1500-500 Model CSUC2-OC Production Number H-4518. Thanks to Lindsay Photo 1. 2011-03-19 Flower Mound, Kennedale, Have a new Pierce apparatus on the line at the Martin website. Link 1. 2011-03-19 McKinney Received a donation of two Segways. See this Star Local News online article for details. Link 1. 2011-03-16 Pierce and Bronto Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS), a leader in environmental, safety and transportation solutions, announced today that its Bronto Skylift Oy Ab (Bronto) subsidiary has entered into exclusive supply and distribution agreements with Pierce Manufacturing Inc. (Pierce), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK). This quote from PR Newswire (click for more details). Thanks to Seth Link 1. 2011-03-14 Lake Cities Recently took delivery of their new Pierce Arrow XT Engine 591. It features a Darley midship, top mount, 1500GPM pump and 750 gal. tank. Thanks to Christian - I really like the color scheme. It kind of matches my new Trek Madone 6.7 Bicycle. 2011-03-12 Duncanville Has a new Pierce running as Engine 271. It is a PUC pumper on an Impel chassis. 425 Hp Cummins, 750 water and foam. Husky 3 foam system. Bumper turret with front bumper discharge. 1500 gpm PUC pump, Wireless Firecom headsets, roll top hosebed cover, camera on light pole with monitor at pump panel for the operator. Thanks to Travis Photo 1. 2011-03-08 Venus Just took delivery of their first Crimson Legend pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features Crimsons Legend body, Waterous 1500gpm pump, 1000 gallon water tank, top mount pump panel, Waterous, Cummins ISC 360 engine, Allison transmission and Whelen M series LED lighting all on an Spartan Metro Star chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2011-03-01 Frisco Heres a Dallas Morning News article about the upcoming TWH replica of Engine 606. Photo 1. 2011-03-01 Tarrant County Medstar, which handles EMS for Fort Worth and several surrounding cities, is switching to a heavier duty chassis(from Ford to Chevy) according to this Star-Telegram article. Link 1. 2011-02-26 North Richland Hills Has a new Frazer ambulance on the city council agenda for Station 2. Link 1. 2011-02-20 Coppell Approves change order to fire apparatus purchase according to this Coppell Gazette News article. Link 1. 2011-02-19 Lewisville Has a new brush truck thanks to a Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System grant. See the Lewisville Leader article for more details. Link 1. 2011-02-16 Dallas has several apparatus being built at Crimson including 9 engines and 2 103 ladders. There should also be a 103 TDA coming soon as well. Thanks to Michael Link 1. 2011-02-15 University Park has a Pierce showing up on Your Truck On the Line. Link 1. 2011-02-14 Lindale Just took delivery of their first Crimson pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Inc. This engine features Crimsons Star series body with smart storage, Hale 1500gpm pump with CAFS Pro, 1000 gallon water tank, Hale Foam Logic foam system with 30 gallon foam tank, Harrison 8kw generator, SVI Shadow telescoping scene light, Pak Trac, Lista tool box and Whelen LED lighting all on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist Photo 1. 2011-02-07 Arlington Heres a Star-Telegram article about plans to start a two year vocational program along with Tarrant Coun ty College and Arlington ISD. Photo 1. 2011-01-31 Haltom City Has an RFP For: Architectural Design Services for new station 2. Photo 1. 2011-01-30 Grayson County commissioners will consider Monday allowing the county fire department at North Texas Regional Airport-Perrin Field to purchase a new fire truck. Online Article. Link 1. 2011-01-26 Frisco Seth Granville sent this link to some photos he took of Safety Town. Thanks to Seth Link 1. 2011-01-26 Terrell VFD is proud to announce the receipt of a 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) award. FEMAAFG will contribute 38K of a total 40K purchase price for a new high-pressure SCBA compressorcascade fill system. An RFQ will be sent out by the end of the month, and the department hopes to have the unit in service by April. Thanks to Terry 2011-01-24 Euless Heres a Fort Worth Star-Telegram article about a neat idea to cut down on noise, pollution, and fuel costs. With help from an electrician, McAdams designed a power pedestal and submitted it to the North Central Texas Council of Governments with a grant application. Ultimately, the council of governments responded with a diesel idle reduction grant. By the way, I stopped by DACO Fire Equipment around the holidays to pick up a calendar, and they had a green engine they were getting ready to show off. As I recall, it basically has a smaller generator that kicks in, after the engine is automatically shut off, after a certain time, assuming no pumping is taking place. Its enough to keep the AC and other equipment going, without using the engine. 2011-01-21 Duncanville and Gatesvil Both have new Pierce apparatus showing up on Your Truck On the Line 2011-01-17 Combine Took delivery for their first Crimson Legend pumper from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Inc. This unit features, Crimsons Legend body, Waterous 1500gpm pump, 1000 gallon water tank, side mount pump panel, Waterous Aquis foam system with a 20 gallon foam tank. Cummins ISC 360 engine, Allison transmission and Whelen M series LED lighting all on an Spartan Metro Star chassis. Thanks to Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists Photo 1. 2011-01-15 Bedford And several other cities worked a 2 Alarm fatality fire this morning at 3020 Bedford Rd. Here are some photos. Heres an article on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. 2011-01-15 Bedford 2 Alarm Apartment Fire, 3020 Bedford Road, Bedford, TX Link 1. 2011-01-01 All For older news, please visit this link. Link 1. 2010-05-20 Oregon Fire Related Photos from Oregon Vacation 520-252010 Link 1. 2009-12-31 Hurst Apartment fire photos, 1656 Campus Dr, Hurst, TX Link 1. 2009-12-12 Dallas Texas Fire Museum Christmas Open House, Dallas, TX Link 1. 2009-12-12 Irving Car fire photos, 400 block of Airport Freeway, Irving, TX Link 1. 2009-11-27 Fort Worth Fort Worth Christmas Parade of Lights Photos Link 1. 2009-11-27 Irving 3 Alarm Apartment Fire, 4100 block of Pleasant Run, Irving, TX Link 1. 2009-10-30 Arlington Texas Spartan Firefighters Combat Challenge, Arlington, TX Link 1. 2009-10-14 Fort Worth Tarrant County College Northwest Campus Fire Service Training Center Tour photos Link 1. 2009-09-28 Dallas Crash Fire Rescue Tour photos Link 1. 2009-08-28 Dallas Fire Rescue International 2009, Dallas, TX Link 1. 2009-08-09 Grapevine 3 Alarm House fire photos, 4400 block of Timber Crest Ct, Grapevine, TX Link 1. 2009-05-20 South Dakota Fire related photos from Mount Rushmore Area vacation 5202009 Link 1. 2009-04-24 Bedford House Fire, 1500 block of Shirley Way, Bedford, TX Link 1. 2008-12-4 DFW Airport I had a great opportunity to see live fire training at DFWs burn pit 124-52008 Photo 1. Link 1. Link 2 2008-11-21 Irving 3 Alarm Apartment Fire Photos, 3808 Esters, Irving, TX Link 1. 2008-11-21 North Richland Hills House fire, 6700 block of Inwood, North Richland Hills, TX Link 1. 2008-10-18 Bedford Bedford Citizens Fire Academy Field Day Photos Link 1. 2008-10-13 Bedford Bedford Citizens Fire Academy Extrication Demo Link 1. 2008-08-10 Colleyville 4 Alarm House Fire photos, 7100 block of Belle Meade, Colleyville, TX Link 1. 2008-05-7 Colleyville House fire photos 5800 block of Ballantrae Link 1. 2008-05-03 Dallas Texas Fire Museum Muster at Dallas Fish Trap Park Link 1. 2008-02-22 Fort Worth Fort Worth Station 2, DFW Fire Training, Stewart Stevenson, Texas Fire Museum SPAAMFAA Winter Convention Tour Photos Link 1. 2008-02-21 Dallas Dallas Fire Rescue Department MaintenanceTrainingSupply Facility Tour 2212008 Link 1. 2008-02-18 Colleyville 2 Alarm House fire photos 4108 Pembrooke, Colleyville, TX Link 1. 2008-01-19 Bedford Apartment Fire photos 1505 Tennis, Bedford, TX Link 1. 2007-11-26 Irving 2 Alarm Apartment Fire Photos, 400 block of Irby, Irving, TX Link 1. 2007-11-16 Bedford Fire Photos from 800 block of McCurry, Bedford, TX Link 1. 2007-08-20 Irving 2 Alarm Apartment Fire Photos, Ohio and 8th, Irving, TX Link 1. 2007-06-11 Desoto Concrete truck rollover accident photos, Desoto, TX Link 1. 2007-05-30 Colleyville 3 Alarm house fire, Vintage Court, Colleyville, TX Link 1. 2007-05-14 Bedford PHIEMS HeloAir Medical Landing Zone(LZ) photos, 3000 block of Martin, Bedford, TX Link 1. 2007-05-07 Denton Martin ApparatusPierce Open House, Denton, TX Link 1. 2007-04-01 Irving 3 Alarm Apartment Fire Photos, 4220 W Northgate, Irving, TX Link 1. 2007-03-25 Bedford 2 Alarm Apartment fire photos, 1900 block of Park Place, Bedford, TX Link 1. 2007-03-03 Granbury Granbury Volunteer Fire Department 100th AnniversaryParade Celebration photos Link 1. 2007-02-24 Irving 4 Alarm Apartment Fire Photos, 1115 Esters, Irving, TX Link 1. 2007-01-08 Arlington Photos from a 2 alarm fatality fire in the 1000 block of Bland, Arlington, TX Link 1. 2007-01-06 Arlington Photos from a 3 Alarm Apartment fire at 757 Washington, Arlington, TX Link 1. 2006-12-16 Dallas Texas Fire Museum Holiday Photos Link 1. 2006-10-07 North Richland Hills North Richland Hills Fire Department Open House Photos October 7, 2006 Link 1. 2006-09-15 Dallas Fire Rescue International Dallas, TX 2006 Link 1. 2006-08-20 Euless Multi Alarm Apartment Fire Photos, 2001 Highway 360, Euless, TX Link 1. 2006-06-05 Washington Pacific Northwest vacation fire related photos June 5-10, 2006 Link 1. 2005-06-01 Chicago, IL Savannah, Georgia vacation fire related photos June 2003, and June 2005 Link 1. 2005-05-07 Dallas Texas Fire Museum Muster Photos, Dallas, TX Link 1. 2005-04-09 Irving Irving Fire Department TrainingFamily Day at TCC NW Campus Fire Academy photos Link 1. 2005-03-11 Georgia Savannah, Georgia vacation fire related photos Link 1. 2005-01-10 Bedford Multi Alarm House Fire photos, 300 block Quail Crest, Bedford, TX Link 1. 2004-08-13 New Orleans Fire Rescue International New Orleans 2004 Link 1. 2004-08-02 Irving The Big One - Multi Alarm Apartment Fire Photos The Lofts 5215 N OConnor, Irving, TX Link 1. 2004-06-07 Colorado, Wyoming Colorado and Wyoming vacation fire related photos Link 1. 2004-01-04 Lousiana Ferrara Factory Tour Photos Link 1. 2003-10-03 Houston Houston Fire Fest and Mass 2003 photos Link 1. 2003-08-24 Dallas Fire Rescue International Dallas, TX 2003 Link 1. 2002-12-02 Boston, Mass Boston Area Fire Related Vacation Photos June 16-20, 2008 Link 1. 2002-12-02 Dallas Texas Fire Museum Holiday Photos 2002 Link 1. 2002-09-15 Grapevine Grapevines E-One Bronto photos Link 1. 2001-10-03 New York New York City vacation fire related photos, October 3-5, 2001 Link 1. Bicycles, Inc. ( Where I work. We sell bicycles and accessories for law enforcement, security, and EMS, and anything else bicycle related.)A heck of a plane. A heck of a story. About the Book What would YOU do with a multi million-dollar plane and time on your hands Join the adventures of a Silicon Valley salaryman whose good fortune put him in the pilot8217s seat of a high-tech Beech Starship, one of a dwindling number in the world. He set out on what many only dream of: slowly meandering around the planet with no fixed route, and no fixed return date. Discover new countries and cultures. Find out how the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 changed aviation and the world8217s perception of America. And learn about the science, art and challenges of flying a high tech business jet-class plane around the world. Close calls in the air Running out of fuel over the Pacific. Shot at over Africa. Near-misses with other aircraft. Adventures on land Playing music in an Indonesian bar. A month-long illness. Stories of exploration and revelation. Reflections on travel Extensive detail of places visited. Historic, economic, social and other info. Grappling with 911 How the attacks of Sept. 2001 midway through the trip changed flight, and the world. 150 footnotes Insight into the science of flight for non-pilots. Acronyms defined. Mysteries explained. Celebrating a plane A memorial of sorts to the aircraft at the heart of the story, mothballed because of economics. Vicariously share round-the-world adventures in this delicious flight of fancy a travelogue that incorporates superb musings on the beauty of flight and the mystery of the world around us. The science of flight is explained in 150 technical footnotes and the route of travel is detailed on 38 maps. A standout contribution to aviation and travel literature. Published by 11010011, California. Copyright 2004 by Dallas Kachan. Beechcraft, Starship and the Starship image are properties of Raytheon Aircraft Corporation and are used here by permission. Other trade names referenced are properties of their respective holders. Other copyrighted works referenced by brief quotations are the property of their respective holders. All rights, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof, are reserved under international and pan-American copyright conventions. This book is a work of fiction that references real-world places, people and events. ISBN 0-7795-0074-1. Printed in Canada. An outstanding plane At the heart of The Starship Diaries is the Beechcraft Starship 8211 a radical new design in corporate aviation. Only fifty-three of these beautiful machines were produced. For a variety of unfortunate reasons, only a handful are still flying. Get your copy now Available in e-book, audiobook 038 print. Perfect for aviation buffs, or anyone who loves to wander. A great travel adventure even for those without an aviation background. Flight Evening News A first class read the footnotes in each chapter give fantastic insight into what goes on in the pointed end of a business jet, while the tales of remote islands and jungle communities generate a yearning to have shared the near 200 hours of flight. COPA Flight The running out of fuel episode is gripping. That chapter alone is worth the price of the book. A great addition to our understanding of our wonderfully diverse world. Its a book you can savour, read and reread. Its one that, for sure, belongs in your library. Very different from the typical books about aviation that are often too technical and boring for the general public a convincing celebration of the airplane and a detailed account of the special relationship that pilots form with their airplanes. Romance. Adventure. Near-death experiences. Cool aviation technology. Exotic cities and cultures around the world. Theyre all here. All the ingredients of a great book, or a great movie. an utterly engaging and convincing chronicle, entertaining and educationalespecially when it comes to describing and relating corners of the planet most people dont know much about. Sample Chapters Shipwrecks Sharks Lihue, Hawaii to Palmyra Atoll, Kiribati Date: January 3rd, 2001 Departure: Lihue, USA (PHLI) Arrival: Palmyra, Kiribati (PLPA) Distance: 978 nm In nautical lore, Palmyra is a place almost as famous as the Bermuda Triangle, though its infamy is relatively recent. Its a mysterious place, not terribly large, only 12 kilometers square, or about 20 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, D. C. Palmyra isnt really an islandits an atoll, or a former volcano-like structure that rose thousands of years ago from the sea floor to ultimately end up as a ring of coral reefs. Hundreds of atolls dot the Pacific. Maybe the most famous of them is the Bikini atoll, where the U. S. Navy tested nuclear weapons in the 1950s. Nearby are the legendary deep trenches of the Pacific: the Mariana and Tonga abysses, incredibly some seven miles deep and epicenters of many earthquakes. The trenches also parallel strings of volcanic activity in the Pacific. Palmyra is technically made up of about 20 tiny islets covered with dense vegetation. Coconut and balsa-like trees on Palmyra grow up to 30 meters, although at no point does the actual land rise much more than two meters or so above sea level. The area is equatorial, hot and very rainy. Its located within the boundaries of the remote Oceanic Republic of Kiribati (correctly pronounced kiri-BASS the local language doesnt have an s, so ti is used to represent the s sound.) The area is so remote that its not served by any major airline. Kiribati was previously known as the Gilbert Islands, although its been independent since 1979. In pictures, Palmyra looks like an archetypal deserted Pacific island paradise, in the vein of Gilligans Island. But for one of the worlds most desolate, isolated places, its been a stage for surprising amounts of drama and intrigue. Palmyra was a U. S. air base during World War II, and much of the single road over its diminutive area was built during this time. It was, until recently, incorporated territory of the U. S. and administered from Washington by the U. S. Department of the Interior. A non-profit group called the Nature Conservancy bought the atoll in 2000 to research and try to restore ecological balance to the area. The group has a small contingent of scientists and caretakers on Palmyra, and has kept a World War II-era runway on one of the largest islands serviceable to bring in supplies. The conservancy keeps fuel there, but not much. The researchers on Palmyra were connected to the mainland via a satellite phone hookup, so I learned all I could about the history of the area and the work the conservancy was doing there, and called them to plead my case. The first few calls went unanswered, no voicemail. However, on the misty Hawaiian morning of the 2nd of January, the phone was picked up on the first ring. Uh, hi there. May I speak with Beth This is she. Who is this The sound of thunder and rain hammering against thin glass windows raged in the background. I introduced myself and explained the chain of people and relationships that had led me to her. I was nervous. An awful lot hung on this particular call. Beth, the senior researcher on the island, had the authority to shut down this little plan. Nerves were all the more frayed by the awkward satellite delay between the two of us, and static on our connection. I eventually came clean. Beth, Im trying to get to Fiji, and beyond, actually. Im flying a plane that has pretty good range, but I need to refuel somewhere on route. Palmyra would be a perfect stop for where Im trying to go. Ive read a lot about what you folks have been doing there and am impressed. Can I get your permission to land and refuel Ill be out of your hair before you know it, and will pay you a very fair price for the fuel. A pause. I see, she said. Another pause. Thunder rolled in the background over our tenuous connection. With all due respect, she began, sounding tired, do you have any idea how many people ask us to do this Im sorry, I dont mean to sound rude, but were not running an airport, here. Were researchers. This is a private island. We dont have the time or the ability to refuel any old Joe. We barely have enough fuel on hand for our own supply runs. Im afraid youre going to have to find another option. Es tut mir Leid. She was trying to be as friendly as she could, but was definitive. I couldnt let her hang up. I needed to keep her on the line a little longer. I understand. Im sure you get requests like this all the time. I appreciate that youre busy and have limited resources. So Gabby here at the office on Kauai suggested a special arrangement. Ive got a fair amount of space for cargo, so how about I pack the stuff the office here has got for you, take orders for whatever else you might need right now and bring it on down to you Think of me as a bonus cargo flight. And Ill still pay you well for the fuel. Its a double-positive for you and the conservancyyou get your stuff a few weeks sooner, and you end up ahead dollar-wise. Gabby had told me Beth and her team had been eagerly awaiting the results of some spectroscopy analyses theyd sent to labs in Hawaii a few weeks earlier, were looking forward to their mail and were running especially low on certain items like contact lens solution and disinfectantand the latter was absolutely necessary in equatorial climates. I was hoping this would improve my case. Thanks, she said. We could really use some stuff in particular, actually. She reflected a moment. We appreciate it, but again, I dont think we can really spare the fuel. Its incredibly expensive to have it brought out here, as Im sure you understand. We dont have much left, and the next tanker doesnt come until next month. Es tut mir Leid. Verdammt. But I still had a trump card. I see. I understand. One last question: Gabby here tells me you guys occasionally accommodate large foundation contributors for visits. Any room for one more Not yet. But I can be. A small contribution to the conservancy that, say, would pay for your fuel for the next six months. Ill work it out with Gabby. A longer than awkward pause. I see theres no dissuading you. She covered the phone with her hand and had a short conversation with someone. Her muffled voice didnt sound overly perturbed, just a little ruffled. Have Gabby call me. I guess the guest house can be ready tomorrow, she came back on and said. But dont expect much. We dont exactly have, like, services here. We worked out details. Weather permitting, the next day would be flight day. I checked in with Gabby, made preparations, grabbed what needed to be transported to Palmyra and wrote the conservancy a generousand tax-deductiblecheck. The next day dawned cloudless. There was no sleep to be had after the sun came up, so a quick barefoot run on the beach in front of the hotel started the day. My feet were awash in the lapping morning waves. They looked stark, alien against the dark sand. The black rock, ground into nothingness by the incessant waves, belied the islands volcanic origins. Gentle morning light gave the mountains an earthy glow. The whole island morning was rich with color. The run helped calm my nerves and dull the twitchy tingle in my spine. Todays flight meant leaving the comfort of U. S. airspace, and the relative comfort of western life. As much as one might disparage the trappings of Americana, theyre predictable and reassuringwhich is, of course, their allure. I was about to stray far off the beaten path. It was the first real dangerous stride in this journey, master of my own providence. A taxi to the airport found the Starship, fresh and fueled. The morning pre-flight prep in the pilots lounge was fairly involved. The weather and winds were double-checked, a flight plan filed and account settled up. Paying by credit card, there was the anxious realization that there werent bound to be many places soon where payment could be easily made with plastic. This is why Id made the decision to carry cash, lots of it, in the American dollars coveted overtly or surreptitiously around the world. A famous Hollywood actor was waiting in the lobby of the FBO for his driver. We chatted a few minutes. He and his wife owned property on the island, and said they came out every few months. As one might imagine, most people using the services of private airport facilities are people of means. Sometimes theyre even recognizable public figures. Ive shared FBOs with professional athletes and a former U. S. president. Of course, most of the people one meets in these places are folks like mebusinesspeople, or former businesspeople, unrecognizable and innocuousand theyre usually open to talking, as one never knows where a next deal might come from. Even movie stars arent beyond mingling while waiting in an FBO for their jet. And anyone, even a famous pop star, can be awed by the Starship. The sun was warm and full of promise for the walk-around, which found everything in order. The engines started up. As the generators came online, the panel powered up and the displays flickered to life. The FMS was quickly programmed, given that it was a straight-line flight from Lihue to Palmyra. A quick queue to takeoff behind some departing sightseeing flights, and in a few minutes the Starship was airborne, arcing skyward at its impossibly steep best climb angle against the green mountains of Kauai. The Starship was over water in seconds, so Kauai disappeared almost instantly. It was climbing quickly, at more than 2,500 feet per minute, but it was disconcerting to be so low over water with nothing but the ocean out front. The expanse of water ahead was second in its unfathomability only to the boundless, cloudless sky above. The blue of the sky deepened with altitude. The air got thinner and thinner, and colder and colder. At altitude, it was a chilling -50 C according to the gauges. The plane eventually leveled at a frigid flight level 350. Thoughts turned to my soon-to-be hosts on Palmyra. It couldnt be easy to run an operation like theirs on a remote tropical island. Supply issues would take a lot of management. Emergency medical care would be a concern what if someone got injured, or really sick Electricity How do you generate it cost-effectively How do you store it And sure, there are a few other people with you there, but wouldnt you go a little stir-crazy It seemed a contradiction that, there in the middle of the Pacific, on the very model of a remote island paradise, the men and women likely wouldnt have a lot of personal privacy. What does that do to you The afternoon droned on. There was nothing to see but the gun-metal gray waves miles below. The texture rippled and smoothed. Thoughts turned to emergency procedures. If something were to happen in flight, over water in the middle of nowhere like this, what wouldshould I do Pilots are trained to respond to all kinds of emergencies, from electrical fires to engine failures to emergency loss of cabin pressure. The pilots operating handbook is a standard fixture in all planes. Among other things, it spells out specific procedures to follow in the event of a variety of emergencies. Instructions are customized to the particular plane youre in. Its the law in North America that all planes, from the largest jumbo jets to the smallest Cessnas, have their POH within easy access of the pilot. But, of course, in a genuine emergency, where seconds usually matter, the last thing a pilot wants to be doing is fishing around for a book, searching for advice. No, emergency procedures are most effective when theyre committed to memory. Time was taken to review some of the scarier ones: LOSS OF CABIN PRESSURE Crew DON OXYGEN MASK Microphone selector switch OXY MASK Audio speaker ON Passenger oxygen mask MANUAL DEPLOY, PULL ON Passengers PULL LANYARDS ON MASKS Oxygen duration CONFIRM ENGINE FIRE OR FAILURE IN FLIGHT Affected engine condition level FUEL CUTOFF Propeller lever FEATHER Firewall fuel value PUSH CLOSED If fire warning persists EXTINGUISHER CONTROL Engine auto ignition OFF Auto feather OFF Propeller sync OFF Generator OFF Electrical load MONITOR Bleed air valves SELECT OPERATING ENGINE, L OR R Oxygen CREW REQUIRED, PASSENGERS AS REQUIRED Power levers IDLE Propellers FULL FORWARD Airspeed MAINTAIN LOWER OF 200 KTS OR VMO Landing gear DOWN Dry stuff, but important to memorize. When bored of memory games, there were tactile games. Like practicing quickly calling up the emergency frequency 121.5 on the communications radio, or getting the exact latitude and longitude coordinates from the systems in case of distress. It was also worth practicing pulling up a handy list of nearest airports in the FMSa constantly updated list of the airports closest to the aircraft, their distances and the heading to fly to get to each quickest. I hoped Id never have to do these things for real, but if I did, I didnt want to have to think, I just wanted to do. Part of what they say makes a good pilot is anticipating whats going to happen next, or what might happen next, and preparing in advance to deal with the possibility. Pilots call this thinking ahead of the airplane. This means thinking through as much as possible, from unforeseen deterioration of weather ahead to the possibility of an engine failure or, at the most mundane level, when to begin a descent. Its important to think as far as possible in advance. The last thing you want is for the airplane to get ahead of you, as they say in aviation. Thats when accidents happen. The military refer to the concept of situational awareness, a typically complicated military term to describe the regimented process of intelligently collecting and processing data relating to ones position in space, the positions of others and the impact of other factors that might affect ones well-being. Good flight instructors drill basic situational awareness into pilots in training. Whole books have been written about the subject, but at the heart of situational awareness is just a lot of looking and thinking. Looking at whats going on with your aircraft, looking and listening to what others around you are doing, thinking ahead to what needs to be performed whenand considering all the myriad things that can go wrong and what one might do about them. Situational awareness and other aspects of aviation training rear their heads unexpectedly all the time in everyday life. Once you learn to embrace certain processes and disciplines, once your brain goes through the process of biologically rewiring itself to think this way, you cant really turn it off. You think constantly in terms of worst cases. You visualize possible complications and solutions by nature, without even realizing it. You always assume the worst when your safety is concerned. Like when driving on the highway: whats that guy speeding up on the left going to do Cut in front without signaling What would I do Is the right lane clear if I had to move over Or walking in a strange place late at night: whos around What are their intentions What would I do Other flight disciplines also creep into life on the ground, like the readback of instructions. If ever unsure Ive heard something correctly or want to assure someone I really understand what theyve told me, I find myself paraphrasing it back to them automatically, like an instruction from an air traffic controller. It was this thinking-ahead situational awareness business that led to idle consideration of how long the plane would be able to stay in the air if its engines quit. How long would I have, if it I couldnt get to Palmyra and ran out of fuel How far could the plane get The answers depended on altitude. Cruising at flight level 350 gave a fair amount of flexibility. The Starship glides pretty manageably without power, descending at 1,000 feet per minute on average, at a speed over the ground of anything between 220 and 135 knots, depending on altitude. So the math looked like: 35,000 feet divided by 1,000 feet per minute gliding descent 35 minutes 35 minutes x 178 knots average groundspeed (halfway between 220 and 135 knots) 104 nautical miles The plane was nowhere near land. Certainly not within 104 nautical miles of it. Thirty-five minutes in the air would give ample time for distress calls, time to think through the events that had led to that situation, and plenty of time to contemplate the inevitable water landing and get the orange emergency suit on. Many World War II pilots apparently had to ditch looking for Palmyra because of fuel issues. I hoped a little navigation technology edge would keep me from becoming shark food. Descending into Palmyra required even more faith in the equipment than the initial approach to Hawaii. There the plane was, literally in the middle of nowhere, relentlessly dropping out of the sky at a scientific 1,500 feet per minute, gambling that thered eventually be a dollop of terra firma to put down on. But nothing could be seen ahead. It looked remarkably like descending in a grand, controlled fashion to a watery death. It was even more disconcerting than the initial landing in Hawaii. Id known Honolulu would be there. After all, Id seen it on TV But Palmyra It seemed far smaller than it should have been, an impossibly tiny smudge in an otherwise vast, empty expanse. But as the plane got closer and aligned for landing, the details of the atoll became apparent. There were palm trees, lots of them. Waves broke in the vicinity of the beaches, marking gorgeous aquamarine blue shallows and sending up crystal sprays. The interconnected series of islets was roughly circular-shaped. The long, concrete runway looked smooth enough, but gave a few good bounces as the plane touched down. The runway seemed to end right at the water, so no time was wasted getting the plane slowed. It trundled to a stop just off the side of the runway in a small clearing painstakingly hacked out of the jungle. Abandoned shells of old fuel drums and ancient aircraft, almost rusted beyond recognition, stood silent testimony to the islands past as a base for long-range air patrols against the Japanese. It was even hotter than Hawaii, and more humid. The ground was still damp from the rains the day before, and the air heavy. I was greeted wryly by a woman who introduced herself as Beth. She was American, in her mid-forties, and rumpled in that uniquely scholastic way, even there in the tropics, that researchers can be. She smiled and regarded me amicably enough, but with a hint of contempt. She led me to a path in the bush, and we walked. Palmyra is too small for cars. Its not commonly known, but Bill Gates came close to buying this place back in 1998, she said as we passed through thick jungle growth and toured the area. Palmyra almost became the private island getaway of the worlds richest man. Im glad as hell that never happened. No one person deserves all this. When I inquired why, she began to describe the flora and fauna indigenous to Palmyra, in particular the ocean riches that made the area such an important biological research site. There were lizards, land and coconut crabs, a huge bird population, palm and coconut trees and mangrove bushes, and plenty of unique plants and animals I didnt recognize the names of. We continued to talk and walk. Beth showed me flowers that grew in only one other known area of the world. She gestured to types of coral just offshore that were unique to Palmyra. And I came to conclude she might be rightit wouldnt necessarily have been right for the area to have ended up in private hands. Even, or especially, Gates The technology industry Id left behind was so pervasive that its long arm had even reached out and groped at one of the most remote atolls in the Pacific. We met others as we walked. There were a total of five men and women working on the island, including a husband and wife team from Canada. With me on the island, I pointed out we now equaled the Americans in number so, of course, suggested a hockey match. Causeways, or bridges, linked the small islets. They were built during the war, said Beth. Theyre mostly unserviceable and overgrown, now. Its incredible how little remains here, sixty years later. The ocean, the jungle and the elements have almost completely re-claimed the land. She gestured to remnants of gray crumbling concrete bunkers, maybe barracks. There were what looked like occasional gun emplacements and spent ammunition shells on our walk, but little more. Everything else had already succumbed to entropy. We were digging a new latrine the other day, and a foot down in the dirt we found tools. Hand tools, like wrenches and screwdrivers. It was weird. It was like there was a full machine shop there at one point, but now its completely jungle again. Nature always wins in the end. My quarters were a small, clean shack near the main buildings. Over a few trips back to the plane for gear, I marveled that, after everything, I was really therea place few others would ever set foot. We all had dinner that night. The fare was predominantly seafood, as expected. The group wasnt entirely self-sufficient, but caught its own crabs, always had plenty of fish and seemed to be able to rely on the sea for protein. We chummed around a fire later in the evening, loosened up some and shared laughs. Maybe it was the flame, evoking some primordial bond, but Beth and I seemed to warm to each other. Maybe she realized I wasnt such a bad guy after all. In truth, Ill bet I was simply less a demanding tight-ass, and more likeable. So, they told you about the murders, right Beth was a little tipsy. Theyd opened a couple bottles of cheap California wine in honor of my visit. I was taken aback. We were having a great old timewhat did murders have to do with anything Yeah, right, I said. No, really. Get this. Back in 1974, this couple from San Diego sailed out here in a big, expensive boat. They were apparently killed by this ex-con whod been living on the island. He and his wife, like, assumed their identities and were caught and convicted. They found the body of the wife, cut up with an acetylene torch and stuffed in a metal box. They never found the husband, but none of us would be surprised if he washed up here some day. I chided her for her obviously made-up, lame horror story. But the others insisted it was as true as it was grisly. And thats only half of it. They talk about the Palmyra curse, volunteered J. D. a colleague of Beths. Hed been jovial just a few minutes ago, but now stared with a fixed gaze. He nudged the embers and sent a sheaf of sparks into the air. Thereve been all kinds of people shipwrecked here over the last hundred years. Most of them have described feeling uneasy on Palmyra, as if the island were cursed. Even some of the Navy guys wrote in their journals about Palmyra feeling haunted. There are nautical journals dating back a hundred years with all kinds of sea captains noting strange things and describing bizarre feelings of fear about the area. And, theres another Canadian connection, here, too, quietly added Tina, one of the Canadians. This guy John Harrison and his two daughters were marooned here for a month back in the 80s. They were the ones that first cleared the old runway you landed on, actually. The U. S. and Canadian governments dragged their feet for weeks while they figured out who should foot the bill to rescue them. They had to live on coconuts, She smiled. By now, as you might imagine, weve all come to really hate coconuts. Wow, was all I could muster. If they were serious, I knew a lot of people who wouldnt consider setting foot on Palmyra if they knew the history of the place. Id been getting uneasy, frankly, listening to them. There, in the black dead of night, under a canopy of cold stars, these tales were the adult version of a campfire ghost story, all the more frightening if they were as real as my hosts claimed. Breakers roared in the distance. I couldnt avoid a creepy feeling, listening to these stories at the place itself where all this was said to have happenedcoincidentally one of the most remote places in the world. A perfect location for a teenage slasher movie. They talked more about stories of buried treasure on Palmyra, about planes from World War II patrols going down nearby without a trace, or flying off in the direction opposite to their intended flight plans, never to be seen or heard from again. Or of one aviator, confused by bad weather, who crashed nearby and was killed by sharks before he could be pulled from the water. More weirdness was associated with Palmyra than I could believe, and they insisted it was all true. Childhood ghosts and monsters started probing at the edges of my consciousness as I listened to these stories there at the fire, on the fringe of the night. I twisted involuntarily in my seat in little spasms. Nice try, I commended. Youre just winding me up. Ill bet you do this to all your visitors. I smiled. No one smiled back. They were good actors, or telling the truth. It was a devil of a time walking back to the shack later in the evening, alone. Every shadow seemed to be someone or something, lying in ambush. Groß. The first week or two on Palmyra was grand, exploring the military detritus scattered about and learning about island living from my hosts. One afternoon came snorkeling. The visibility seemed infinite. There were all kinds of iridescent kelp and coral in the shallow inner bay formed by the ring of islets of the atoll. There was also a shark or two, which wasnt much of a concern, as Id seen a few learning to dive in the Philippines. But passing by on shore and seeing me lazing about in the water, carefree, Tina screamed to get out. I did quickly, thinking she saw something in particular, but her concern was more general. Gott. Dont go back in there. Didnt they tell you The sharks in the bay here have killed people before. Not anyone recently, but none of us trust them. They looked fine to me. They kept their distance. Yeah How well do you know sharks Were marine biologists, remember And even we dont snorkel here in the bay. Think about it. We cant take care of shark bites here. Even a small bite and you might die before we could get you to a hospital. Remember, none of us can fly that plane of yours. I reddened and felt suddenly very mortal. She was right. No amount of money in your bank account, or fancy toys, necessarily makes you safer, or smarter, than anyone else. I thenceforth resolved to snorkel only in approved areas, and explored the area by land, meandering the causeways. One day mid-January, I woke to find my throat a little scratchier and the rest of my body a little achier than usual, but took my new friends up for a quick flight in the Starship anyway. We didnt go far. In the interest of fuel conservation, we simply climbed a few thousand feet, flew over an atoll several miles to the west and then landed again. They were all quite impressed apparently they were used to getting to and fro in rides a little less sophisticated. The next day, while working out details of the next leg to Fiji and beyond, the scratchy throat felt like it was developing into something more serious. Much more serious, it felt. A realization dawned: I was getting sick. My throat started feeling completely raw. I was dizzy and weak and having a hard time concentrating. My mind started spinning. If this was a simple flu, no problemId just sweat it out. But these grand plans didnt really account for getting, well, really sick. A little hypochondriac deep inside me started whispering that this was no ordinary flu, but I tried to stay positive. I stayed in bed the rest of the afternoon and did my best to relax, but it only got worse. By the end of the day, it was looking bad. Id been taking painkillers, and elected to take a few more to help sleep it off. It was an even hotter, more humid night than usual, the winds pregnant from some nearby rainstorm. The sky was clouded over. It was eerie, quiet and impossibly black. Even the waves, always inescapable on the atoll, sounded pensive. There was little sleep, and as the night stretched on, somehow the pain managed to get worse, despite a double dosage of the local 222 brand-name painkiller pills. The next day, my hosts were clearly concerned, and consulted with a doctor on Hawaii via the satellite phone. I apparently didnt look good. Beth squinted down my throat, cradled the phone on her shoulder, and described what she saw. After an exchange, the doctor diagnosed the symptoms as the onset of strep throat. He prescribed penicillin, but it would be a week or two before they could get it to the island. In the meantime, it meant rest, laying low and doubling the painkiller doses. That meant 16 pills a day. Over the next few days, a sort of delirium set in, with difficulty thinking straight. Others checked in every few hours and brought cold water and fruit. It was harder and harder to eat anything, the throat as painful as it was. It became clear the affliction was, in fact, the dreaded strep throat, which I remembered hearing I suffered from a lot as an infant. I did my best to eat, but could get very little past the raw throat. The islanders tended to me as best as they could and tried to make me comfortable. If they had any told you so, or serves you right conversations, they had them privately. Days started stretching into weeks. The penicillin arrived, but halfway through the prescription it still didnt feel like it was having much effect. The illness seemed to be winning. Weakness and delirium increased what little is remembered from that month and a half is fleeting, punctuated with pain. There was a trashy science fiction novel, loaned by J. D. There were a few attempts at solar therapy, soaking up sun as best as possible in the afternoon, but to no avail. I tried to bang out letters to friends and family on my laptop, but couldnt string words together. It was such a profound irony to be incapacitated in such an unspoiled paradise, so completely unable to enjoy it. I was acutely aware of the sun, surf and coconut trees, but now resented them. I was captive, helpless. Intellectually, I knew I should be relishing the time at the elusive, reclusive Palmyra, but was in perpetual discomfort. Which just didnt make for any fun. It took almost two months to bounce back, but the penicillin finally did its work. By the time all was said and done, Id lost 20 lbs, or about 12 of my body weight. The new, flat stomach was welcome. But not the weakness. I no longer had much of an appetite my body had gotten accustomed to getting by with less. I hardly recognized myself in the mirror. My face was thinner, older, and didnt look like me, especially when I smiled. But at least I was finally smiling. Itd been a long, uncomfortable haul. Shipwrecks Sharks Lihue, Hawaii to Palmyra Atoll, Kiribati Date: January 3rd, 2001 Departure: Lihue, USA (PHLI) Arrival: Palmyra, Kiribati (PLPA) Distance: 978 nm In nautical lore, Palmyra is a place almost as famous as the Bermuda Triangle, though its infamy is relatively recent. Its a mysterious place, not terribly large, only 12 kilometers square, or about 20 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, D. C. Palmyra isnt really an islandits an atoll, or a former volcano-like structure that rose thousands of years ago from the sea floor to ultimately end up as a ring of coral reefs. Hundreds of atolls dot the Pacific. Maybe the most famous of them is the Bikini atoll, where the U. S. Navy tested nuclear weapons in the 1950s. Nearby are the legendary deep trenches of the Pacific: the Mariana and Tonga abysses, incredibly some seven miles deep and epicenters of many earthquakes. The trenches also parallel strings of volcanic activity in the Pacific. Palmyra is technically made up of about 20 tiny islets covered with dense vegetation. Coconut and balsa-like trees on Palmyra grow up to 30 meters, although at no point does the actual land rise much more than two meters or so above sea level. The area is equatorial, hot and very rainy. Its located within the boundaries of the remote Oceanic Republic of Kiribati (correctly pronounced kiri-BASS the local language doesnt have an s, so ti is used to represent the s sound.) The area is so remote that its not served by any major airline. Kiribati was previously known as the Gilbert Islands, although its been independent since 1979. In pictures, Palmyra looks like an archetypal deserted Pacific island paradise, in the vein of Gilligans Island. But for one of the worlds most desolate, isolated places, its been a stage for surprising amounts of drama and intrigue. Palmyra was a U. S. air base during World War II, and much of the single road over its diminutive area was built during this time. It was, until recently, incorporated territory of the U. S. and administered from Washington by the U. S. Department of the Interior. A non-profit group called the Nature Conservancy bought the atoll in 2000 to research and try to restore ecological balance to the area. The group has a small contingent of scientists and caretakers on Palmyra, and has kept a World War II-era runway on one of the largest islands serviceable to bring in supplies. The conservancy keeps fuel there, but not much. The researchers on Palmyra were connected to the mainland via a satellite phone hookup, so I learned all I could about the history of the area and the work the conservancy was doing there, and called them to plead my case. The first few calls went unanswered, no voicemail. However, on the misty Hawaiian morning of the 2nd of January, the phone was picked up on the first ring. Uh, hi there. May I speak with Beth This is she. Who is this The sound of thunder and rain hammering against thin glass windows raged in the background. I introduced myself and explained the chain of people and relationships that had led me to her. I was nervous. An awful lot hung on this particular call. Beth, the senior researcher on the island, had the authority to shut down this little plan. Nerves were all the more frayed by the awkward satellite delay between the two of us, and static on our connection. I eventually came clean. Beth, Im trying to get to Fiji, and beyond, actually. Im flying a plane that has pretty good range, but I need to refuel somewhere on route. Palmyra would be a perfect stop for where Im trying to go. Ive read a lot about what you folks have been doing there and am impressed. Can I get your permission to land and refuel Ill be out of your hair before you know it, and will pay you a very fair price for the fuel. A pause. I see, she said. Another pause. Thunder rolled in the background over our tenuous connection. With all due respect, she began, sounding tired, do you have any idea how many people ask us to do this Im sorry, I dont mean to sound rude, but were not running an airport, here. Were researchers. This is a private island. We dont have the time or the ability to refuel any old Joe. We barely have enough fuel on hand for our own supply runs. Im afraid youre going to have to find another option. Es tut mir Leid. She was trying to be as friendly as she could, but was definitive. I couldnt let her hang up. I needed to keep her on the line a little longer. I understand. Im sure you get requests like this all the time. I appreciate that youre busy and have limited resources. So Gabby here at the office on Kauai suggested a special arrangement. Ive got a fair amount of space for cargo, so how about I pack the stuff the office here has got for you, take orders for whatever else you might need right now and bring it on down to you Think of me as a bonus cargo flight. And Ill still pay you well for the fuel. Its a double-positive for you and the conservancyyou get your stuff a few weeks sooner, and you end up ahead dollar-wise. Gabby had told me Beth and her team had been eagerly awaiting the results of some spectroscopy analyses theyd sent to labs in Hawaii a few weeks earlier, were looking forward to their mail and were running especially low on certain items like contact lens solution and disinfectantand the latter was absolutely necessary in equatorial climates. I was hoping this would improve my case. Thanks, she said. We could really use some stuff in particular, actually. She reflected a moment. We appreciate it, but again, I dont think we can really spare the fuel. Its incredibly expensive to have it brought out here, as Im sure you understand. We dont have much left, and the next tanker doesnt come until next month. Es tut mir Leid. Verdammt. But I still had a trump card. I see. I understand. One last question: Gabby here tells me you guys occasionally accommodate large foundation contributors for visits. Any room for one more Not yet. But I can be. A small contribution to the conservancy that, say, would pay for your fuel for the next six months. Ill work it out with Gabby. A longer than awkward pause. I see theres no dissuading you. She covered the phone with her hand and had a short conversation with someone. Her muffled voice didnt sound overly perturbed, just a little ruffled. Have Gabby call me. I guess the guest house can be ready tomorrow, she came back on and said. But dont expect much. We dont exactly have, like, services here. We worked out details. Weather permitting, the next day would be flight day. I checked in with Gabby, made preparations, grabbed what needed to be transported to Palmyra and wrote the conservancy a generousand tax-deductiblecheck. The next day dawned cloudless. There was no sleep to be had after the sun came up, so a quick barefoot run on the beach in front of the hotel started the day. My feet were awash in the lapping morning waves. They looked stark, alien against the dark sand. The black rock, ground into nothingness by the incessant waves, belied the islands volcanic origins. Gentle morning light gave the mountains an earthy glow. The whole island morning was rich with color. The run helped calm my nerves and dull the twitchy tingle in my spine. Todays flight meant leaving the comfort of U. S. airspace, and the relative comfort of western life. As much as one might disparage the trappings of Americana, theyre predictable and reassuringwhich is, of course, their allure. I was about to stray far off the beaten path. It was the first real dangerous stride in this journey, master of my own providence. A taxi to the airport found the Starship, fresh and fueled. The morning pre-flight prep in the pilots lounge was fairly involved. The weather and winds were double-checked, a flight plan filed and account settled up. Paying by credit card, there was the anxious realization that there werent bound to be many places soon where payment could be easily made with plastic. This is why Id made the decision to carry cash, lots of it, in the American dollars coveted overtly or surreptitiously around the world. A famous Hollywood actor was waiting in the lobby of the FBO for his driver. We chatted a few minutes. He and his wife owned property on the island, and said they came out every few months. As one might imagine, most people using the services of private airport facilities are people of means. Sometimes theyre even recognizable public figures. Ive shared FBOs with professional athletes and a former U. S. president. Of course, most of the people one meets in these places are folks like mebusinesspeople, or former businesspeople, unrecognizable and innocuousand theyre usually open to talking, as one never knows where a next deal might come from. Even movie stars arent beyond mingling while waiting in an FBO for their jet. And anyone, even a famous pop star, can be awed by the Starship. The sun was warm and full of promise for the walk-around, which found everything in order. The engines started up. As the generators came online, the panel powered up and the displays flickered to life. The FMS was quickly programmed, given that it was a straight-line flight from Lihue to Palmyra. A quick queue to takeoff behind some departing sightseeing flights, and in a few minutes the Starship was airborne, arcing skyward at its impossibly steep best climb angle against the green mountains of Kauai. The Starship was over water in seconds, so Kauai disappeared almost instantly. It was climbing quickly, at more than 2,500 feet per minute, but it was disconcerting to be so low over water with nothing but the ocean out front. The expanse of water ahead was second in its unfathomability only to the boundless, cloudless sky above. The blue of the sky deepened with altitude. The air got thinner and thinner, and colder and colder. At altitude, it was a chilling -50 C according to the gauges. The plane eventually leveled at a frigid flight level 350. Thoughts turned to my soon-to-be hosts on Palmyra. It couldnt be easy to run an operation like theirs on a remote tropical island. Supply issues would take a lot of management. Emergency medical care would be a concern what if someone got injured, or really sick Electricity How do you generate it cost-effectively How do you store it And sure, there are a few other people with you there, but wouldnt you go a little stir-crazy It seemed a contradiction that, there in the middle of the Pacific, on the very model of a remote island paradise, the men and women likely wouldnt have a lot of personal privacy. What does that do to you The afternoon droned on. There was nothing to see but the gun-metal gray waves miles below. The texture rippled and smoothed. Thoughts turned to emergency procedures. If something were to happen in flight, over water in the middle of nowhere like this, what wouldshould I do Pilots are trained to respond to all kinds of emergencies, from electrical fires to engine failures to emergency loss of cabin pressure. The pilots operating handbook is a standard fixture in all planes. Among other things, it spells out specific procedures to follow in the event of a variety of emergencies. Instructions are customized to the particular plane youre in. Its the law in North America that all planes, from the largest jumbo jets to the smallest Cessnas, have their POH within easy access of the pilot. But, of course, in a genuine emergency, where seconds usually matter, the last thing a pilot wants to be doing is fishing around for a book, searching for advice. No, emergency procedures are most effective when theyre committed to memory. Time was taken to review some of the scarier ones: LOSS OF CABIN PRESSURE Crew DON OXYGEN MASK Microphone selector switch OXY MASK Audio speaker ON Passenger oxygen mask MANUAL DEPLOY, PULL ON Passengers PULL LANYARDS ON MASKS Oxygen duration CONFIRM ENGINE FIRE OR FAILURE IN FLIGHT Affected engine condition level FUEL CUTOFF Propeller lever FEATHER Firewall fuel value PUSH CLOSED If fire warning persists EXTINGUISHER CONTROL Engine auto ignition OFF Auto feather OFF Propeller sync OFF Generator OFF Electrical load MONITOR Bleed air valves SELECT OPERATING ENGINE, L OR R Oxygen CREW REQUIRED, PASSENGERS AS REQUIRED Power levers IDLE Propellers FULL FORWARD Airspeed MAINTAIN LOWER OF 200 KTS OR VMO Landing gear DOWN Dry stuff, but important to memorize. When bored of memory games, there were tactile games. Like practicing quickly calling up the emergency frequency 121.5 on the communications radio, or getting the exact latitude and longitude coordinates from the systems in case of distress. It was also worth practicing pulling up a handy list of nearest airports in the FMSa constantly updated list of the airports closest to the aircraft, their distances and the heading to fly to get to each quickest. I hoped Id never have to do these things for real, but if I did, I didnt want to have to think, I just wanted to do. Part of what they say makes a good pilot is anticipating whats going to happen next, or what might happen next, and preparing in advance to deal with the possibility. Pilots call this thinking ahead of the airplane. This means thinking through as much as possible, from unforeseen deterioration of weather ahead to the possibility of an engine failure or, at the most mundane level, when to begin a descent. Its important to think as far as possible in advance. The last thing you want is for the airplane to get ahead of you, as they say in aviation. Thats when accidents happen. The military refer to the concept of situational awareness, a typically complicated military term to describe the regimented process of intelligently collecting and processing data relating to ones position in space, the positions of others and the impact of other factors that might affect ones well-being. Good flight instructors drill basic situational awareness into pilots in training. Whole books have been written about the subject, but at the heart of situational awareness is just a lot of looking and thinking. Looking at whats going on with your aircraft, looking and listening to what others around you are doing, thinking ahead to what needs to be performed whenand considering all the myriad things that can go wrong and what one might do about them. Situational awareness and other aspects of aviation training rear their heads unexpectedly all the time in everyday life. Once you learn to embrace certain processes and disciplines, once your brain goes through the process of biologically rewiring itself to think this way, you cant really turn it off. You think constantly in terms of worst cases. You visualize possible complications and solutions by nature, without even realizing it. You always assume the worst when your safety is concerned. Like when driving on the highway: whats that guy speeding up on the left going to do Cut in front without signaling What would I do Is the right lane clear if I had to move over Or walking in a strange place late at night: whos around What are their intentions What would I do Other flight disciplines also creep into life on the ground, like the readback of instructions. If ever unsure Ive heard something correctly or want to assure someone I really understand what theyve told me, I find myself paraphrasing it back to them automatically, like an instruction from an air traffic controller. It was this thinking-ahead situational awareness business that led to idle consideration of how long the plane would be able to stay in the air if its engines quit. How long would I have, if it I couldnt get to Palmyra and ran out of fuel How far could the plane get The answers depended on altitude. Cruising at flight level 350 gave a fair amount of flexibility. The Starship glides pretty manageably without power, descending at 1,000 feet per minute on average, at a speed over the ground of anything between 220 and 135 knots, depending on altitude. So the math looked like: 35,000 feet divided by 1,000 feet per minute gliding descent 35 minutes 35 minutes x 178 knots average groundspeed (halfway between 220 and 135 knots) 104 nautical miles The plane was nowhere near land. Certainly not within 104 nautical miles of it. Thirty-five minutes in the air would give ample time for distress calls, time to think through the events that had led to that situation, and plenty of time to contemplate the inevitable water landing and get the orange emergency suit on. Many World War II pilots apparently had to ditch looking for Palmyra because of fuel issues. I hoped a little navigation technology edge would keep me from becoming shark food. Descending into Palmyra required even more faith in the equipment than the initial approach to Hawaii. There the plane was, literally in the middle of nowhere, relentlessly dropping out of the sky at a scientific 1,500 feet per minute, gambling that thered eventually be a dollop of terra firma to put down on. But nothing could be seen ahead. It looked remarkably like descending in a grand, controlled fashion to a watery death. It was even more disconcerting than the initial landing in Hawaii. Id known Honolulu would be there. After all, Id seen it on TV But Palmyra It seemed far smaller than it should have been, an impossibly tiny smudge in an otherwise vast, empty expanse. But as the plane got closer and aligned for landing, the details of the atoll became apparent. There were palm trees, lots of them. Waves broke in the vicinity of the beaches, marking gorgeous aquamarine blue shallows and sending up crystal sprays. The interconnected series of islets was roughly circular-shaped. The long, concrete runway looked smooth enough, but gave a few good bounces as the plane touched down. The runway seemed to end right at the water, so no time was wasted getting the plane slowed. It trundled to a stop just off the side of the runway in a small clearing painstakingly hacked out of the jungle. Abandoned shells of old fuel drums and ancient aircraft, almost rusted beyond recognition, stood silent testimony to the islands past as a base for long-range air patrols against the Japanese. It was even hotter than Hawaii, and more humid. The ground was still damp from the rains the day before, and the air heavy. I was greeted wryly by a woman who introduced herself as Beth. She was American, in her mid-forties, and rumpled in that uniquely scholastic way, even there in the tropics, that researchers can be. She smiled and regarded me amicably enough, but with a hint of contempt. She led me to a path in the bush, and we walked. Palmyra is too small for cars. Its not commonly known, but Bill Gates came close to buying this place back in 1998, she said as we passed through thick jungle growth and toured the area. Palmyra almost became the private island getaway of the worlds richest man. Im glad as hell that never happened. No one person deserves all this. When I inquired why, she began to describe the flora and fauna indigenous to Palmyra, in particular the ocean riches that made the area such an important biological research site. There were lizards, land and coconut crabs, a huge bird population, palm and coconut trees and mangrove bushes, and plenty of unique plants and animals I didnt recognize the names of. We continued to talk and walk. Beth showed me flowers that grew in only one other known area of the world. She gestured to types of coral just offshore that were unique to Palmyra. And I came to conclude she might be rightit wouldnt necessarily have been right for the area to have ended up in private hands. Even, or especially, Gates The technology industry Id left behind was so pervasive that its long arm had even reached out and groped at one of the most remote atolls in the Pacific. We met others as we walked. There were a total of five men and women working on the island, including a husband and wife team from Canada. With me on the island, I pointed out we now equaled the Americans in number so, of course, suggested a hockey match. Causeways, or bridges, linked the small islets. They were built during the war, said Beth. Theyre mostly unserviceable and overgrown, now. Its incredible how little remains here, sixty years later. The ocean, the jungle and the elements have almost completely re-claimed the land. She gestured to remnants of gray crumbling concrete bunkers, maybe barracks. There were what looked like occasional gun emplacements and spent ammunition shells on our walk, but little more. Everything else had already succumbed to entropy. We were digging a new latrine the other day, and a foot down in the dirt we found tools. Hand tools, like wrenches and screwdrivers. It was weird. It was like there was a full machine shop there at one point, but now its completely jungle again. Nature always wins in the end. My quarters were a small, clean shack near the main buildings. Over a few trips back to the plane for gear, I marveled that, after everything, I was really therea place few others would ever set foot. We all had dinner that night. The fare was predominantly seafood, as expected. The group wasnt entirely self-sufficient, but caught its own crabs, always had plenty of fish and seemed to be able to rely on the sea for protein. We chummed around a fire later in the evening, loosened up some and shared laughs. Maybe it was the flame, evoking some primordial bond, but Beth and I seemed to warm to each other. Maybe she realized I wasnt such a bad guy after all. In truth, Ill bet I was simply less a demanding tight-ass, and more likeable. So, they told you about the murders, right Beth was a little tipsy. Theyd opened a couple bottles of cheap California wine in honor of my visit. I was taken aback. We were having a great old timewhat did murders have to do with anything Yeah, right, I said. No, really. Get this. Back in 1974, this couple from San Diego sailed out here in a big, expensive boat. They were apparently killed by this ex-con whod been living on the island. He and his wife, like, assumed their identities and were caught and convicted. They found the body of the wife, cut up with an acetylene torch and stuffed in a metal box. They never found the husband, but none of us would be surprised if he washed up here some day. I chided her for her obviously made-up, lame horror story. But the others insisted it was as true as it was grisly. And thats only half of it. They talk about the Palmyra curse, volunteered J. D. a colleague of Beths. Hed been jovial just a few minutes ago, but now stared with a fixed gaze. He nudged the embers and sent a sheaf of sparks into the air. Thereve been all kinds of people shipwrecked here over the last hundred years. Most of them have described feeling uneasy on Palmyra, as if the island were cursed. Even some of the Navy guys wrote in their journals about Palmyra feeling haunted. There are nautical journals dating back a hundred years with all kinds of sea captains noting strange things and describing bizarre feelings of fear about the area. And, theres another Canadian connection, here, too, quietly added Tina, one of the Canadians. This guy John Harrison and his two daughters were marooned here for a month back in the 80s. They were the ones that first cleared the old runway you landed on, actually. The U. S. and Canadian governments dragged their feet for weeks while they figured out who should foot the bill to rescue them. They had to live on coconuts, She smiled. By now, as you might imagine, weve all come to really hate coconuts. Wow, was all I could muster. If they were serious, I knew a lot of people who wouldnt consider setting foot on Palmyra if they knew the history of the place. Id been getting uneasy, frankly, listening to them. There, in the black dead of night, under a canopy of cold stars, these tales were the adult version of a campfire ghost story, all the more frightening if they were as real as my hosts claimed. Breakers roared in the distance. I couldnt avoid a creepy feeling, listening to these stories at the place itself where all this was said to have happenedcoincidentally one of the most remote places in the world. A perfect location for a teenage slasher movie. They talked more about stories of buried treasure on Palmyra, about planes from World War II patrols going down nearby without a trace, or flying off in the direction opposite to their intended flight plans, never to be seen or heard from again. Or of one aviator, confused by bad weather, who crashed nearby and was killed by sharks before he could be pulled from the water. More weirdness was associated with Palmyra than I could believe, and they insisted it was all true. Childhood ghosts and monsters started probing at the edges of my consciousness as I listened to these stories there at the fire, on the fringe of the night. I twisted involuntarily in my seat in little spasms. Nice try, I commended. Youre just winding me up. Ill bet you do this to all your visitors. I smiled. No one smiled back. They were good actors, or telling the truth. It was a devil of a time walking back to the shack later in the evening, alone. Every shadow seemed to be someone or something, lying in ambush. Groß. The first week or two on Palmyra was grand, exploring the military detritus scattered about and learning about island living from my hosts. One afternoon came snorkeling. The visibility seemed infinite. There were all kinds of iridescent kelp and coral in the shallow inner bay formed by the ring of islets of the atoll. There was also a shark or two, which wasnt much of a concern, as Id seen a few learning to dive in the Philippines. But passing by on shore and seeing me lazing about in the water, carefree, Tina screamed to get out. I did quickly, thinking she saw something in particular, but her concern was more general. Gott. Dont go back in there. Didnt they tell you The sharks in the bay here have killed people before. Not anyone recently, but none of us trust them. They looked fine to me. They kept their distance. Yeah How well do you know sharks Were marine biologists, remember And even we dont snorkel here in the bay. Think about it. We cant take care of shark bites here. Even a small bite and you might die before we could get you to a hospital. Remember, none of us can fly that plane of yours. I reddened and felt suddenly very mortal. She was right. No amount of money in your bank account, or fancy toys, necessarily makes you safer, or smarter, than anyone else. I thenceforth resolved to snorkel only in approved areas, and explored the area by land, meandering the causeways. One day mid-January, I woke to find my throat a little scratchier and the rest of my body a little achier than usual, but took my new friends up for a quick flight in the Starship anyway. We didnt go far. In the interest of fuel conservation, we simply climbed a few thousand feet, flew over an atoll several miles to the west and then landed again. They were all quite impressed apparently they were used to getting to and fro in rides a little less sophisticated. The next day, while working out details of the next leg to Fiji and beyond, the scratchy throat felt like it was developing into something more serious. Much more serious, it felt. A realization dawned: I was getting sick. My throat started feeling completely raw. I was dizzy and weak and having a hard time concentrating. My mind started spinning. If this was a simple flu, no problemId just sweat it out. But these grand plans didnt really account for getting, well, really sick. A little hypochondriac deep inside me started whispering that this was no ordinary flu, but I tried to stay positive. I stayed in bed the rest of the afternoon and did my best to relax, but it only got worse. By the end of the day, it was looking bad. Id been taking painkillers, and elected to take a few more to help sleep it off. It was an even hotter, more humid night than usual, the winds pregnant from some nearby rainstorm. The sky was clouded over. It was eerie, quiet and impossibly black. Even the waves, always inescapable on the atoll, sounded pensive. There was little sleep, and as the night stretched on, somehow the pain managed to get worse, despite a double dosage of the local 222 brand-name painkiller pills. The next day, my hosts were clearly concerned, and consulted with a doctor on Hawaii via the satellite phone. I apparently didnt look good. Beth squinted down my throat, cradled the phone on her shoulder, and described what she saw. After an exchange, the doctor diagnosed the symptoms as the onset of strep throat. He prescribed penicillin, but it would be a week or two before they could get it to the island. In the meantime, it meant rest, laying low and doubling the painkiller doses. That meant 16 pills a day. Over the next few days, a sort of delirium set in, with difficulty thinking straight. Others checked in every few hours and brought cold water and fruit. It was harder and harder to eat anything, the throat as painful as it was. It became clear the affliction was, in fact, the dreaded strep throat, which I remembered hearing I suffered from a lot as an infant. I did my best to eat, but could get very little past the raw throat. The islanders tended to me as best as they could and tried to make me comfortable. If they had any told you so, or serves you right conversations, they had them privately. Days started stretching into weeks. The penicillin arrived, but halfway through the prescription it still didnt feel like it was having much effect. The illness seemed to be winning. Weakness and delirium increased what little is remembered from that month and a half is fleeting, punctuated with pain. There was a trashy science fiction novel, loaned by J. D. There were a few attempts at solar therapy, soaking up sun as best as possible in the afternoon, but to no avail. I tried to bang out letters to friends and family on my laptop, but couldnt string words together. It was such a profound irony to be incapacitated in such an unspoiled paradise, so completely unable to enjoy it. I was acutely aware of the sun, surf and coconut trees, but now resented them. I was captive, helpless. Intellectually, I knew I should be relishing the time at the elusive, reclusive Palmyra, but was in perpetual discomfort. Which just didnt make for any fun. It took almost two months to bounce back, but the penicillin finally did its work. By the time all was said and done, Id lost 20 lbs, or about 12 of my body weight. The new, flat stomach was welcome. But not the weakness. I no longer had much of an appetite my body had gotten accustomed to getting by with less. I hardly recognized myself in the mirror. My face was thinner, older, and didnt look like me, especially when I smiled. But at least I was finally smiling. Itd been a long, uncomfortable haul. Population: 150 Melbourne, Australia to Tibooburra, Australia Date: May 20th, 2001 Departure: Melbourne Tullarmarine International, Australia (YMML) Arrival: Tibooburra, Australia (YTIB) Distance: 980 nm They dont seem to serve plain old coffee in Australia. Would you like a short black, long black, flat white, cappuccino, macchiato, caffe latte, ice coffee or a mugacino, the waitress at the airport restaurant asked. She was serious. I gave up and had a hot chocolate instead. It was a fairly early morning at the domestic terminal, planning the flight to Alice Springs via a flyover of Sydneythe bustling city on the east coast of Australia most often identified by the distinctive white sails atop the citys famously contemporary opera house. This flight would be at low altitude for sightseeing. Because it originated and terminated in Australia, there were no international approvals or flight plan issues to contend with. Easy The airport wasnt terribly busy the morning of departure, so it was only a few minutes before the Starship lurched into the air, its engines feeling peppier after servicing, even if they werent, actually. In less than five minutes the plane was leveling at its 9,500 foot cruising altitude for the eastern leg to Sydney before winging westward to Alice Springs. The tallest point in Australia, Mt. Kosciusko, was almost directly in the flight path, but at 7,316 feet it wouldnt pose a problem. Headed northeast, barely any coastal detail could be seen. While a lot of time had been spent flying over land while traversing New Zealand, the plane was headed inland in the first continental flight since beginning this adventure in San Jose seven months earlier. Australia is the smallest of the worlds formal continents, but its a continent nevertheless. Historians point out that a disruptive technology every few hundred years changes the way we understand our relationship to the world around us. Most people through human history spent their entire lives tied to a single landmass. They traditionally lived and died on the continent of their birth, if not the country or even the specific region. The world was provincial, comprised of isolated communities. When sailing vessels enabled the charting of the breadth of the world, maps illustrating the immense scope of the planet were unfathomable to provincial minds. People learning of the vastness surrounding them slowly started to come to terms with their relative place in the universe. In the last handful of years, the onslaught of technological progress has shrunk the world yet again. What once was unfathomable is now accessible, and ever more so. I can fly myself to Australia, and other lands that I only imagined as a child. We can watch world events unfolding in real time on a television. The entire world is becoming the province, the isolated com-munity of old. Whats next What next disruption will expand our sense of self and province The more we learn of the world we live in and the space that surrounds it, the more we feel alternately cozy and terrified. Its as if our perception of the universe we live in goes through the laundryshrinking, expanding, and then shrinking and expanding again. Groundspeed was lower than it should have been. Had a headwind popped up, or was it just that the air was relatively dense at this altitude, and therefore the plane was slower An eye was kept on the instruments while looking around at the hilly area below. Australia contains some of the oldest parts of the Earths crust. With the exception of the Great Dividing Range, the mountains directly below, the continents mountain ranges have been worn virtually flat by millennia of erosion. The Great Dividing Range was impressive there was the occasional lake locked in the mountains, and my eye was drawn to small towns below, identified on the map with fascinating names like Wagga Wagga. It felt like home, kind of. The mountains, their greenery and their little spontaneous communities evoked California. And like California, there were scars in the forest from logging or bushfiresthe sorts of things usually more apparent from the air than the ground. Sydney eventually loomed on the horizon. It was much larger than Melbourne, and substantially more picturesque. Sydney was the first major settlement in Australia, dating back to 1788. Many say Sydney is one of the most spectacular natural harbors in the world, and its harbor was certainly just as busy as Melbournes. Many of the buildings had red tiled roofs. The city skyline was clustered tightly around the edge of the harbor, and sure enough, the opera house was easy to spot. There were also no problems identifying Sydneys Bondi Beach, one of Australias most famous surf spots. Its rolling waves and white sand draw locals, tourists and surf enthusiasts from around the world. The FMS, programmed with the days route, then intersected an invisible waypoint in the sky and the Starship commenced a steep but delicate left bank, and was soon winging west. In minutes, there was nothing more to see of Sydney, not even suburbs. Curiously, groundspeed was again less than expected. It seemed there was still a headwind, even though the plane was then headed northwest, almost 90 degrees from its original course. Could the wind have changed Was some other factor at play Fuel was less than it should have been for this stage of the flight. Was it better to climb higher into thinner air and hope for less wind and better fuel economy Or stay the course The charts and FMS showed plenty of airports on route in case. It seemed okay to stay the course, for the plane was leaving the mountains and entering the picturesque lowlands of the Australian state of New South Wales, and there was much to see. Most of Australias dry continental interior is isolated from the ocean. Temperatures soar during the day, and droughts are common. The lowlands apparently receive rain the area seemed fertile and was well farmed. It looked like a whole variety of grains were being grown. Yet across a dirty brown meandering river that snaked along across the landscape, twisting and turning and at times almost doubling back, which I took to be the Darling River, things started drying out almost immediately. There were occasional marshes. Then it started looking more like desert. There were occasional dry lakebeds with vast white patches, dried salt-like sediment. The land appeared used for grazing. Roads became fewer. The headwind hadnt gotten any better over the previous hour. The plane looked it would make Alice Springs with the fuel onboard, but the plan was to see Ayers Rock from the air before doing so, and there wasnt enough fuel to do both. Decision time. The area had grown a lot more desolate. There werent many places to land in the quickly encroaching desert. A quick diversion off course could easily get the plane to an airfield near a town called Tibooburra, it appeared. How could one not want to visit a place named Tibooburra How bad could it be Descending into the area, I dialed the common advisory frequency for the airport, 126.7, and announced intentions to land. No response was expected, but lo and behold, there were other planes in the traffic pattern at Tibooburra. Winds were favoring runway 20, so the Starship squeezed into the traffic and joined in to land. The plane powered down with other transient airplanesincluding ancient, beat up thingsdirectly on reddish-brown dirt. Little scrubby bushes grew around the area, tumbleweeds waiting to happen. There was little else in view. Even the tall yard lights looked lonely. On disembarking, a couple walked up from a dusty old Cessna 172. Well, thats a right good looking plane We were the ones just ahead of you. You really here from Canada. Whatcha doing out here in Tib gushed a sweaty, white-bearded, grizzled Aussie gent in an Akruba hat as wide as his smile, cargo shorts, explorer socks and ancient boots. He looked sixty-ish, and wasted no time walking right up to me to shake my hand. A plump woman who I took to be his wife, who appeared to have a least some aboriginal ancestry, stood beaming behind him. I explained what I was doing there and they were tickled, but not completely surprised to meet a foreigner in their parts, for the town of Tibooburra is apparently famous as a travelers stop. But few people arrived in a big flashy plane, they said, so they were very interested in taking photos and peeking inside, and I happily obliged. Come into town with us, implored the man, who introduced himself as Jack. Let us buy you lunch, though I reckon you should be pickin up our tab, mate Sure, I thoughtIll fill up the tanks later. No hurry. He introduced his wife as Elaine. They took me into town in their pickup, their uteshort for utility vehicleand talked excitedly, tag-teaming in a tour guide-style narrative. Tibooburra represented the essence of an Australian outback town, according to Elaine. Its a fairly small town marking the midpoint between ranchland and desert, as it appeared from the air. Established at the height of the gold rush, Tibooburra (originally called The Granites, no doubt for the large numbers of granite boulders strewn about town) now provided services for the people of the area, as well as thousands of visitors each year. In the summer, its acknowledged as the hottest town in the state. The Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service has an office there, as does the New South Wales state police. Jack was proud that Tibooburra was sort of known of as the most remote town in New South Wales. He admitted its occasionally the butt of jokes in Australia. For instance, a Sydney radio show once offered people a weekend stay in Tibooburra as a kind of booby prize. I empathized immediately, for I spent a few years in my teens in a town in Canada called Wawa, similarly famous for the same reason. (Wow, I reflected Canada sure felt a long way from there.) We crossed a cattle grate, passed a sign announcing Tibooburra, population 150, and were in town. Like Invercargill in New Zealand, the streets were unusually wide, and the red tinge of the dirt was remarkable. Unlike Invercargill, most buildings were one-storey. It was all quite flat. Jack parked outside the Family Hotel, one of two in town. Venturing inside, it was hard not to notice the murals of nude men and women, many of them in suggestive postures. The murals were originals, though yellowed by age and cigarette smoke. They were in a confident impressionistic style, and it was clear they were the work of an accomplished artist. The last thing I expected to find in a remote town in the middle of Australia were world class paintings. Clifton Pugh, said the man behind the bar. Im sorry What was your name Clifton Pugh. Famous Australian artist. Thats who did what youre looking at. My names Peter the Wog. A sheep materialized from behind the bar and came up and put his head on my knee as we sat down. Now theres a real Tib welcome for ya Where else would ya get that, ha proudly exclaimed Jack. The sheep looked up lovingly. The original plan was to return to the plane later in the day and continue on. But Jack and Elaine would hear none of it, and plied me good-naturedly with alcohol all afternoon to ensure I wouldnt be fit to fly. They were proud of their town, and thought itd only be fitting for me to spend some time to see the sights. I couldnt help but accept. I wasnt exactly on a timetable. Id never have guessed, then and there, that the stay would be a month. They told the story of famous Australian explorer Captain Charles Sturt and his expedition, who ventured into the area south of Tibooburra in the summer of 1845 carrying a boat searching for an inland sea. The area was in severe drought and incomprehensibly hot. For several months the group camped beside a water hole in an area now known as Depot Glen. The men were dying of scurvy. By the time rains finally came in July, Sturts second-in-command took ill and died just as they were preparing to finally leave to continue their quest. His body is buried beneath a beefwood tree not far from their campsite at Depot Glen, now accessible by the public. Another attraction popular with tourists was the great dingo fence. This actual fence, part of which is near Tibooburra, runs along parts of the border between states and is now intended to keep wild dogs, dingos, and other critters out of the sheep ranches of New South Wales. The fine for leaving a gate open is 1,000 Aussie dollars. They say Australias dog fence is the longest continuous fence in the world, 5,600 kilometers long. It was originally built in the 1880s to keep rabbits out, and was a dismal failure. It became apparent that Jack and Elaine were the real thing, genuinely good natured and well-meaning folks. We laughed a lot over lunch. They wouldnt let me pick up the tab, drove me to the plane to pick up my things, drove me back and even insisted on sticking around to make sure I was able to arrange a room, which turned out to be a great little cabin across the street from the hotel. While grocery shopping the next day, the towns mining heritage came up with Wayne and Caroline, owners of the local store. They pointed out there were great old abandoned gold mining facilities south of town near a village called Milparinka that might make for good adventuring. It so happened that Wayne, who moonlighted as a truck driver, was headed that way later in the day, so I loaded my backpack and grabbed some warm clothes. The beautiful courthouse and police barracks in Milparinka were impressive. At the same time, decaying sandstone foundations elsewhere in town suggested one-time prosperity, with buildings and families now long gone. The gold rush, there as elsewhere, just didnt sustain. With a couple of days of water and provisions, I set out on foot south of town to Mount Browne, the area Wayne had recommended. The dusty road snaked through a dry riverbed. There were a number of stops to take in impressive desert vistas, as they were so different from the rocky boulder-strewn countryside of Tibooburra. At a couple of spots, the road came up out of the river up onto the river flats. On one large flat there finally appeared the remains of gold mines, numerous mullock heaps and a number of one hundred-foot shafts, shored up with timber, absolutely alone and in the middle of nowhere. The temptation to venture inside was overwhelming. Further along, by the river, was the remains of an old mill. Another delightful setting and an ideal spot for lunch. The area was littered with smashed bottles and old crockery, plus all kinds of well-rusted machinery. Down the dry river were the remains of what must have been one of the hubs of the gold industry in this area. There were all kinds of devices I couldnt recognize or name, let alone fancy a function for. There was what looked like an immense boiler, and a heap of other assorted bits and pieces of machinery. It was difficult to visualize what must have gone on back then in the 1880s, only a hundred and twenty years earlier. A broken windmill and cement water tank suggested the area might have still been in use in more modern times, though probably only to provide water for livestock. I pitched my tent to stay the night. Over a fire late in the evening, the sky was so desperately black and the stars so clear there that the swath of the Milky Way galaxy was easily visible. The big dipper is hard to see in Australia, but the Southern Cross is truly magnificent. Stars winked. Satellites arced. Meteors flashed silently across the sky. The occasional plane swept by, high and silent. It was hideously romantic, and all the ancient mining machines around lent the scene an odd kind of grotesque eroticism. In the animation of the firelight, these rusting structures seem to cavort and contort in bizarre slow rituals, like they were dying, or mating. And they were doing it clandestinely I could only catch them out of the corner of my eye, for if I looked at them directly, theyd stop. It was wonderfully creepy, anthropomorphizing these things against the bright starry sky, and I had great fun scaring myself to sleep. It was hard to tell if it was this unreasonable visceral fear making me shiver, or the cold from the onset of the Australian winter. Thinking of the starry night while walking back the next day, I considered that most people likely dont look up into the sky nearly enough. Were usually so preoccupied with what happens terrestrially that we forget to gaze up above in our daily lives. Thats not looking to the heavens as a metaphor for reflection or inspirationbut literally, most people dont physically look up enough I get a kick out of standing on bridges or rooftops, looking down at people, and making eye contact with the rare person who chances to look up. Ive always wondered at the vastness above. Clouds have always seemed among the true, democratic aesthetic treasures of the world. Anyone, anywhere can enjoy the beauty of a thunderhead, say, and watch it slowly bulge up on a summer afternoon. The shifting gradients of light as they permute over time in a morning sky are stunning. Yet how many people are up early enough, or have enough time to properly watch and appreciate a sunrise Or the lazy pleasure of a bird hunting, circling high above A huge variety of phenomenon play daily in the theater above our heads. Theres so much to see, but how many of us take time to lie on their backs and look into the heavens Few gaze into them. Still fewer explore them. The sky wasnt calling yet, however. Back in Tibooburra after hitching a ride with the mail driver, locals suggested checking out Sturt National Park, home to the lanky big reds, kangaroos that stand nearly two meters tall. Check. I finally returned to town and once again set up in one of the cabins across from the Family Hotel. Jack and Elaine came out drinking now and then, and helped the others teach classic Australian pub songs. I likely stayed as long as I did in Tibooburra largely on the basis of the fun we had singing those songs Itll be a long time before Ill forget Who Put the Roo in the Stew, A Pub With No Beer (said to be based on an actual incident), Click Go The Shears, My Boomerang Wont Come Back, The Day I Rode the Emu and Tie Me Kangaroo Down. My personal favorites were Duncan (in which you can substitute your own friends names for fun) and Home Among The Gum Trees (complete with actions). A few mates were made in Tibooburra, most from unexpected circles. A better friend ended up being Jerry, a young, fast-talking cattleman of part aboriginal descent whod actually started medical school in Brisbane but apparently ran out of money. He was jovial and quick, not quite as laconic as most folks in town and very interested in North America. Many of his mates from school had traveled and seen a lot of the world, but he hadnt the money. He was currently working on a cattle stationAustralian for ranchnear town, to try to save enough money to return to medical school. Jerry was fascinated by my trip, and not so much jealous as genuinely happy to be able to share my experiences and hear inside scoop about America. One night, I told him one of my favorite horror stories about dating in Silicon Valley. We were on the verandah of the Family Hotel, drinks in hand, Jerry puffing on a rolly, a hand-rolled cigarette. So on our third date, this girl asked directly how much stock I held, my companys valuation and number of shares outstanding. She did the numbers in her head, and told me at the end of the night she didnt want to see me any more. Flat out told me to my face that another guy she was dating was more fiscally desirable. No way He snarled. The Bundaberg rum he was drinking made his face ugly in disbelief. Way, I responded. True story. But I got the last laugh. My company went public before his did. Opening day, our stock shot through the roof and kept going, even through the holding period. His tanked three months after IPO. I sold everything Id vested and bailed. He got virtually nothing. Bad call for her. I dont date California women anymore, I said. We toured the plane one cold afternoon. Too bad you werent here in September, mate, Jerry said, grinning like a kid. They hold these horse races in this town northwest of here called Birdsville every September, and its something you just have to see to believe. But its not like snooty horse races. Thousands of people all bring their tents and set up this big tent city. People fly in from all over Australia. Hundreds of planes. Lots of em fuel up here at Tib and buy fuel from Peter the Wog, or sometimes theyll land here if theres bad weather in Birdsville. The Birdsville race is a big weeklong bush party Australians, Id learned, as in Canada, tend call the great out-doors the bush regardless if theres scrub or trees actually around. A uniquely British colonial euphemism. Really I asked. And do they all drink like you guys do in this town Then maybe its a good thing its not September right now. Id never be sober enough to fly this crate outta here. The farther out from any major center, it seemed the less there was to do but drink. Spending so much time at the pub gave ample opportunity to note Australian toilet design. Much like in many areas of the U. K. the toilets in Oz have two flush options: a half flush for small jobs and a full flush for bigger ones. A small flush takes 2-3 liters of water, a large 4-6 liters. When the vast majority of your country is hard-to-irrigate desert, you take water conservation seriously. By then, the Australian winter was pretty well in full swing and the days were quite short. Id seen, done and drank as much as there was to in Tibooburra. The dingo fence had been done. The boulders in and around town had been scrabbled over. The School of the Air was toured, an impressive setup where kids in town share a virtual classroom with kids in remote areas live over VHF radio. Early one Friday afternoon Jerry drove me and my things to the airport. Id said goodbye the night before to all my new friends in Tib, and had sworn off the drink in light of the flight. Jack and Elaine also came by the airport bright and early for the send-off. The three dawdled around during the pre-flight walkaround. Peter the Wog had been paid for fuel the day before. Fellow pilot Jack helped verify the weight and balance calculations and happily double-checked the performance chart reference that confirmed the plane would be able to lift off Tibooburras shorter-than-usual runway in the morning heat. Then it was time to go. A pleasure, mate. Remember us, kay Jerry was a little choked up. So was I. They all said theyd stick around to watch the takeoff, so after trading contact information, I closed the door and turned to the checklists. There wasnt a ground controller or air traffic controller to contend with, so it was a simple taxi to the edge of the runway to perform the pre-takeoff engine tests. All seemed okay. The area was checked carefully for landing aircraft, position taken, the takeoff announced on frequency and the power levers eased forward. There was one last glance and quick wave to the three of them standing to the side of the runway as the plane barreled by, and from the corner of my eye, it was possible to vaguely make out that they were waving, too. And then, just about to run out of runway, a gentle tug on the yoke at rotation speed and the Starship lurched into the air at its impossibly steep climb angle. In seconds, the plane was so high it was hard to even discern that there were people down there to see. There was only desert, and the outline of an impossibly long fence stretching out to infinity. Mr. Big and the Egg Shanghai, China to Chengdu, China Date: October 22nd, 2001 Departure: Hongqiao airport, Shanghai, China (ZSSS) Arrival: Shuangliu airport, Chengdu, China (ZUUU) Distance: 1377 nm Travel planning indeed got a lot more complicated. The U. S. started its air bombardment of Afghanistan. Neighboring countries like Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan suddenly appeared to be a lot less safe. Even factions within Pakistan, a sometimes U. S. ally, had been rallying and assassinating occasional westerners in protest, even though the countrys government had reluctantly agreed to this particular invasion of Afghanistan. Recent anti-American rioting in Nigeria had left hundreds dead, according to the news. The post-911 emotions and rhetoric that were starting to come into their own a month after the attacks werent just redrawing geopolitical lines, they were also contributing to further loss of life. I feared a racial backlash against Anglo-Saxons, myself included, if I strayed too far into central Asia. There was no telling how far my Canadian flags would protect me. Local media had been criticizing the U. S. for the hundreds of racial attacks certain of its citizens had been carrying out in the last few weeks against Arabs, Muslims, Indians and others who looked even vaguely Eastern. Not long after arriving in Shanghai, a Russian passenger plane was shot down over the Black Sea, where the Ukraine, Russia and Turkey converge. It was too early to know for sure, but a Ukrainian military exercise seemed to have been responsible. Id actually considered stopping in the Ukraine, the land of my ancestry, this trip, but reconsidered. The downing of the plane suggested that despite official denials, itchy trigger fingers were far and wide. Everyone, everywhere, was apprehensive. What was happening in the world Everything had changed so quickly. I began to wonder about the viability of the flight, of the wisdom of continuing. In the month it seemed it would take to negotiate with authorities for permission to fly over the Chinese mainland, there was plenty of time to buy and study aviation maps of the country, to think hard about what I was doing and whether to go on. Then people in the U. S. started dying from anthrax. The U. S. media whipped itself into a lather and sent everyone to bed every night worrying about white powder in their mail, poison in their water and chemicals dispersed by crop dusters. Unfortunately, at the time, it was hard to tell whether these were genuine threats. Was this really time to head back Was it possibly safer where I was Was this really the same world I remembered from only a short month or so ago I eventually decided to press my luck and venture farther into China and then northwards into Russia, though it would inevitably bring the plane closer to Pakistan and Afghanistan on the way. The rationale: I was already there, and for now it seemed safe. With a wide enough swath around the Persian Gulf, things might be fine, I thought optimistically. Then there was friendly fire to worry about. While concern about hostiles was one thing, it would be bad to attract the attention of allied warplanes buzzing in and about Afghanistan and Pakistan. The unconventional lines of the Starship might even confuse a vengeful American fighter pilot. Now, thered be the makings of a tragedy. China, the worlds most populous nation, has a vast, unbroken cultural history, longer than that of any other country. But only recently has it begun to emerge as a leading world power. Before Chinas renowned Chairman Mao established communist rule in 1949, the country had become something of a backward feudal empire, stricken by civil war and more than a century of European and Japanese incursions. The closed regime withstood the traumas of rapid industrialization, communal farming and the brutal purges of a now-infamous Cultural Revolution. Starting in the 1980s, Deng Xiao Ping, Maos successor, introduced economic reforms led by expanded foreign trade and privatization of once state-owned industries, and trumpeted the phrase to get rich is glorious. The reforms, a 180-degree turn from the communal path Mao forged, were dubbed special Chinese communism in other words, thinly-veiled capitalism. Chinas population is concentrated along the coastal provinces of the south and east, although the most populous region is still close to the fertile planes in the Chinese Midwest. Despite accelerating urban growth, China remains predominantly rural. One cultural group, the Han, make up over 90 of the people. Other main ethnic minorities are scattered in pockets around the country, with concentrations in autonomous regions in the south and west. There are several major Chinese dialects, and many sub-dialects. The Beijing dialect, often called Mandarin, or Putonghua, is taught in all schools, and almost two-thirds of the Han consider it their native language. The rest, concentrated mostly in the southwest and south-east, speak other dialects. About 90 of China is unsuitable for cultivation, being either climactically or topographically diverse or lacking sufficiently fertile soils. Most of the west is used for nomadic herding, while farmland is concentrated in the eastern monsoon region, with rice grown in the tropical and subtropical south. Some say todays Shanghai, translated literally as city on the sea, represents an even more exciting vision of the future and fusion of eastwest culture and technology than does Tokyo. Thousands of years of rich Chinese tradition are still fully alive and well in the giant metropolis of Shanghai, despite a downtown skyline now remarkably reminiscent of New York. The faded glamour of Shanghais colonial pastquick riches, ill-gotten gains, fortunes lost on the tumble of dice, swindlers, gamblers, opium dens, drug runners, dandies, tycoons, missionaries, gangsters and huge brothelsseems to be morphing in real-time into Chinas dreams for the future. Some say its the worlds fastest-changing city: blink, and it becomes something different. Nothing is totally sacred even grand old bank buildings on the citys most famous boulevard, the magnificent Bund, are under renovation, being readied for clients like JP Morgan and Hong Kong Shanghai Bank, which fled in 1949 after the communist takeover. Foreign and domestic investment in the city has relit its flame. New money has led to new cultural institutions, karaoke clubs, cell phones, health clubseven a thriving gay bar district. Downsides exist: prostitution and street crime have increased, as has drug use and AIDS. In other words, Shanghai now sports many of the ills of any other normal great city. Even ten years ago, city fathers likely couldnt have even begun to fathom western-style nightclubs, especially hopping ones like Shanghais now-popular New York, New York. Stumbling brazenly out of this particular hotspot one night at five in the morning, having fooled ourselves into thinking wed been in just any another American dance club, I and a few fellow European revelers rounded a corner and suddenly interrupted the sights and smells of a wholly unique Chinese tableau: groups of round-faced Han Chinese huddled in small, dark stalls on the street wolfing down pungent food we didnt recognize. Traditional music lilted from unseen tinny radios. Broad, illuminated signs bore exotic and unfathomable characters. Laundry draped from balconies. It was an unusually poor little enclave. We hustled away, embarrassed. Minutes later, we came across a small lake nestled in the heart of the city. On its shores, lit by the dawn, hundreds of Chinese were in the throes of morning Tai Chi. We watched silently, captivated. Many Chinese are proud of their cultural progress, and tried to engage me and other foreigners to assert and validate their westernness. Students, for instance, often tried to practice their English, which, as expected, led to more than a few stilted conversations. Some wanted to show off their artwork. One particularly toothy and persistent kid insisted on listening to him play the guitar. When I politely declined, he cheekily wanted to know where I was staying and when I would be leaving, seemingly convinced an audience with me could put him on the road to American stardom. Food in China was difficult at first. Restaurants ranged from massive, modern four-level places with hundreds of tables to noodle shacks on the street. There were usually no decipherable menus, just tables of vegetables and tanks full of fish, shellfish and snakes, even a shark at one place. Ten minutes after pointing at a fish, it was on the table. Chicken, duck and pork dishes were also displayed on tables. I tried more ambitious dishes with local friends. For instance, drunken shrimp turned out to not be just a colorful euphuism for one particular dish, but a literal aphorism. These unfortunate shrimp are literally marinated live in some kind of alcoholic sauce. They come to the table, still thrashing aroundlike us on the dance floor at New York, New York on vodka Red Bulls. You have to wait until they die, essentially, or otherwise they can give you a nasty nip on the lips, as happened to our Australian friend Brett. Then there was the egg incident. We were at a bar having a few beers when some acquaintances brought in a bag of food, including what looked like fried pigeon and eggs. Wed all had a few Tsingtaos, and seeing as there were no kebabs or chili cheese dogs around, I thought Id try some. The pigeon was quite good. I picked up an egg and shelled it. It tasted and felt a bit strange, but everyone else was eating them, so I picked up another, started to shell it, and then nearly threw up. Inside was a fully formed chick, with feathers, eyes and everything, seemingly asleep. I dropped it in fright and repulsion, but someone picked it up and ate it. Brett had told stories of certain Chinese thugs he knew, and I wondered whether wed meet any. One night, he introduced us to Mr. Big, a aptly-named thick, towering fellow. The man couldnt speak a word of English, but he liked us, and we didnt dare not like him. We accompanied Mr. Big to the back room of some uniquely seedy club, and it was like a scene out of a Chinese Goodfellasspace was immediately made for us waiters hovered obsequiously there was dancing and singing on stage, but the show actually stopped so Mr. Big could do a spot of karaoke. The next thing I knew, I ended up sandwiched in a taxi somehow with Mr. Big and two almost as large bodyguards, while Brett and a few of the others went in another car. Everyone in my car was jabbering away in Mandarin and smoking like maniacs. The car drove and drove. They continued to banter incomprehensibly while smiling and pointing enthusiastically at things out the window for my benefit. We finally disembarked at a stinking alley in some unknown quarter of the city. Shadowy characters lurked here and there. As we entered a little shack, I wondered how I could politely extricate myself without knowing a word of Mandarin when, thankfully, there were Brett and my other comrades playing cards with a cadre of Mr. Bigs goons. Lots of beer and food and a strong, repugnant sorghum liquor called Wu Liang Ye was forced upon us, with plenty of toasting, smoking and laughing. These boys could party. I had no idea what was going on, and there was no point worrying about it, so I just drank when prompted, ate whatever mysterious thing was placed in front of me and wondered if Id still be wearing clean underwear when the Canadian Embassy eventually managed to fly my body home. Yet as imposing as they appeared, everyone remained friendly and generous. I never once really felt threatened. When we eventually surfaced at another bar towards the early morning hours, I was beyond concerns about making it home safely. After all, who would even think about messing with our posse I flew out at 11:20 in the morning on October 22nd on the first day of reasonable weather in a long while. Thered been a big system over the area, and while it looked like itd cleared through the center of the country, it was forecasted to cloud over again heading south to my destination of Chengdu, Chinas gateway to the vast Himalayas of the Tibetan plateau, the highest mountains in the world. But that wasnt to be the destination quite straight away. While its a common misconception that The Great Wall of China can be seen from space, it seemed thered be a good chance of seeing it from 33,000 feet if I could only get in the vicinity. So I badgered authorities to let me fly in the area, admittedly kind of out of the way to the north, before heading to Chengdu and ultimately west out of the country into Russia. After a month of trying to assuage the Chinese officials concerns, sometimes involving gifts of cigarettes and sorghum liquor up the chain of command, papers eventually came that granted permission for a very specific route of flight at very specific high-level altitudes: direct to the vicinity of the middle section of the Great Wall in the vicinity of Xining, capital of northwest Chinas Qinghai province, and then back south to Chengdu. The plane was also cleared for other points westward. No deviations would be tolerated, came the warnings, likely because Chinas army missile research station, nuclear weapons research station and space research facilities were all in the vicinity. There were more than a few reasons for the Chinese to be edgy about U. S. planes. Earlier in the year, while Id been basking on the beaches of Fiji, a Chinese fighter collided with a U. S. spy plane while apparently harassing it, according to the American account. The Chinese pilot ejected and lost his aircraft. The U. S. plane was forced to land on a Chinese island. The incident sparked a months-long diplomatic row. On departure, the plane was routed out over Shanghai proper to the south, and then brought back to head northwards on course. Gentle chop kept things interesting on the climb to cruise. The Starship flitted in and out of stratus in the area, and finally entered a delicate, hazy white mist about twenty minutes out of Shanghai. The silky whiteness reached all the way up to cruising altitude at flight level 330. While there was nothing to see, it was still exciting to be back in the air again after a month cajoling the Chinese bureaucracy for clearance while watching political passions rage around the world. Up there, things were so much simpler. The engines were true and strong. No, there was nothing to observe save the indistinct snow-white luminescence, but the familiar thrill of being in transit again was exhilarating. I kicked back and relished being right there then, in this white room, impossibly high up over the other side of the world. Flying, especially when socked in by whiteness, is a sort of literal manifestation of a Zen state. If one aspires to true integration with the world, to full connectedness and ceasing to exist as a discrete entity, flying is a step in that direction. In flight, you dont exist anywhere in the everyday world, and are even forcibly prevented from participating in it. Youre suspended in a sort of negative space when you board a plane, a metaphysical halfway state. From the perspective of those on the ground, youre suddenly nowhereyou cease to exist Yet as you flash across the landscape at impossible speeds, youre indeed everywhere at once. You become your surroundings as you whiz through them, folding yourself in and around them. Seen in another sense, although the airplane sustains the body, its really the mind that makes the journey. The body steps on the aircraft and eventually steps off, but the journey in between is virtually all mental. You dont do much physically in the cockpit you sit, make a bunch of calculations, twist some dials and knobs, and when you leave the plane youre back on Earth. Maybe, if the weather is clear, you gaze down on views that no human before this century could ever have had a chance to see. Or maybe you spend most of the time daydreaming or otherwise preoccupied with thoughts that come miles in the sky. The airplane may physically transport you, but its the mind that conducts the journey. Flight, even mechanical flight, is the genuine disembodiment. When the ground became visible again, there were only flat, patchwork green fields below and scores of towns and villages. It was the Yellow River basin, and this was major farmland, no mistake. The growing season must have been longer than North Americas, for there still seemed to be crops in the fields. It was hard to tell for sure from so high up, but the area was famous for its wheat, millet, sorghum and cotton. As pastoral as it looked, it was a treacherous area to live in. This was the upper part of Chinas most famous flood plainwhere scores of people had died over the centuries from the unpredictable Yellow River. As time went on and the plane left the area, the greenery transformed to arid plains, which in turn became largely rolling rock, punctuated only occasionally by greenery. It started to look less and less hospitable. The ground eventually assumed an odd yellow-brown color that was uncharacteristic of anywhere else previously seen on this adventure. It was loess, I later read, a loose soil made up of wind-blown material. Translucent clouds whisped by, transforming the blasted landscapes below into ghostly, craggy tableaus. Then, near the city of Lanzhou, not far from Xining, stretched the rolling serratedness of the Great Wall. The wall is still properly characterized as one of the great wonders of the world, as it represents an engineering feat thats rarely been matched in the 22 centuries since its construction began. Stretching 4,500 miles, from the mountains of Korea to the western extent of the Gobi Desert that covers the center of China, it was actually a series of walls built and reconstituted by different dynasties over 1,000 years. They were all constructed out of the same motivationprotection from marauding tribes from the north. The Great Wall remains an emblem of Chinas ingenuity and will. From altitude, it appeared as a low, thick line that twisted around on an impossibly crazy route. Sporadic clouds got in the way before long. Then the next waypoint kicked in, and the Starship swung itself around south. The long flight south to Chengdu over the dark brown rolling Bayan Har Shan mountains gave plenty of time for reflection on time and distance. A tailwind had kicked in, propelling the plane faster and more fuel-efficiently than before. If this flight felt it was taking long in such a fast, futuristic airplane, how did people traverse such distances through terrain this intimidating hundreds of years ago Chairman Maos Long March retreat of 1934 went through this area, a hundred thousand men and 35 women. It would have been a huge physical effort to guide pack animals through the extremes of elevation, temperature and humidity just underneath the plane. This journey that was taking me only hours could very well have taken months, if not longer, only a hundred years ago. Some people in remote mountain areas of China like this still travel by mule caravan. Tibetans walk and bring yaks. Others use camels. The controller cleared the plane for a slow descent towards Chengdu. There were a few cloud layers to penetrate before the ground could be properly distinguished. Eventually passing 16,000 feet, the plane dropped out of a thick gray bank of cloud to rain batting the windows. Visibility was poor, but what looked like an oncoming mountain ridge could be made out, looking dangerously higher than it should. I requested a higher altitude, but was told by the controller to maintain the current descent and heading. Pilots arent bound to adhere to controllers directives if their safety is in danger, so I kept my hands on the controls to intervene if necessary. Yet sure enough, the Starship whizzed over the ridge with what looked like a thousand feet to spare. It was only about 4 in the afternoon, but the sun sets sooner in the mountains. It would be a dark landing where Chengdu lay at the foot of the Himalayas. The slow 1,000-foot-per-minute descent rate kept the plane skimming the underbelly of the clouds, which also seemed to be inexplicably descending closer to the airport. In mountain valleys, low cloud was also beginning to settle, forming a creepy dark brown wonderland off to each side. The ATIS weather report broadcast by Chengdus Shuangliu airport said to expect overcast clouds at 6,000 feet and scattered clouds at 3,400. Runway 2 was in use. So the landing wouldnt just be dark, itd likely be rainy. Then, there: a first view of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Thered been lots of white mountaintops to see scuttling in and about Californias Sierras in my Piper Arrow, but here, a world away, were now the regal Himalayas Id only heard tell of. Their tops poked out above a white baby blanket of cloud. Rain spattered the windshield. Everything was darker now, but appeared wet and fresh. Chengdu itself then appeared. Lights were starting to come on across the city. The airport to the left, exactly where it should have been, was splendidly lit. The rain streaked across the left and right windows as I looked around at the dark world unfolding around. The drops appeared as streaks, illuminated by the cabin lights and the strobes outside. The controllers set the Starship up well for landing, and it was nicely established four miles out on final approach when the tower cleared the plane as number two to land behind traffic that was just then touching down. The plane nuzzled down to the wet pavement. With the prop reversers working as they should, it was an easy taxi off by the runway midpoint. The darkness continued to thicken as the plane shut down in the rain. The mountains to the west ascended into clouds turned lavender and mauve by the dwindling light. The evening meal was at a sidewalk hot pot, a quintessentially Chengdu phenomenon. Id heard about these. Surrounding central heating elements, bubbling rings of boiling water simmered, into which diners dip a variety of foods, including thinly-sliced cow tongue and liver. There were rumblings afoot that a new mayoral candidate was promising to crack down on outdoor food vendors, confided the roadway restaurateur in good English, but for now our dinner was still legal. I sat in the midst of mostly Han Chinese there on the sidewalk, out of the rain under a tall, red fabric banner with undecipherable calligraphic characters. A young, ill-shaven man sat down, curling what looked like road-weary feet beneath him. He looked Indian, maybe Pakistani, and was initially reluctant to talk with me. But on learning I was from Canada, his disposition changed. He lit up. My brothers in Canada he beamed. Toronto He and his family apparently lived in Torontos Little India district, only a few blocks from a home Id almost bought back in the early 90s. We chuckled at the happenstance. Im PK. Es tut mir Leid. I thought you were American, he admitted. I almost let this go. And whats wrong with being American I challenged, playfully. He looked at me carefully with wrinkled brow, and took a gamble. Well, nothing. After all, theyre the chosen ones, right he parried darkly. Im sorry, no any disrespect to any American friends, but its unfortunate that it took an event like what happened in New York for America to finally wake up to the fact theres a bigger world out beyond its shores. Well, for years, he continued, America has been painting a big target on itself. Look at its fifty-year history of destabilizing governments, flaunting international law and playing the worlds bully. Its hardly a well-behaved global citizen. It places troops in countries around the world, whether theyre wanted or not. This conflict is being painted as Muslims vs. the United States, but its bigger than that. There are whole big swaths of the world that are more and more unhappy with what the U. S. has been doing. He continued, citing specifics like the ongoing U. S. history of destabilization in Central America and the arming of Afghan rebels to help oust the Russians. Walking away from weapons reduction treaties. Resisting global warming treaties. The indictments went on and on. PK had been to university in Karachi, and clearly hadnt shirked his homework. Sure, but America still does a lot of good in the world, I countered. He looked into the hot pot and stirred it absently. Americans think they invented freedom. They trot it out as their biggest contribution to the world whenever theyre criticized. Yes, we do bad things, but for freedom Democracy Elect your leaders, or youre heathens Do they ever pause and consider whether American-style democracy, not to mention its movies, music and fast food, are wanted elsewhere in the world He looked at me. For years the Americans have been slowly dominating the world through espionage, outright wars and their infectious cultural viruses. Maybe the world has had enough. Up to now, Id heard only empathy for America and the losses it suffered the month before. There hadnt been much overt criticism like this. These were strong words. But then, the Afghanistan flashpoint was getting closer and closer. We talked further. Most Chinese sitting around appeared to be paying us no attention. PK went on to theorize that the current bombing of Afghanistan was going to further jeopardize the security of the United States. That by trying to bomb supposed adversaries into submission, the U. S. was actually playing into the hands of critics and evidencing one of the primary reasons others were angry at it. They should address the root causes of why theyre disliked, and not the symptoms like terrorism, he said. Nineteenth-century surgeons clumsily hacked off limbs to treat minor maladies. Has nobody learned anything since then If this keeps up, things are going to get worse before they get better. Some English-speaking Chinese around us joined the conversation, so we all ended up sitting together, talking and eating. It turns out the local Chinese distrust of foreigners started a long time ago, and came to a head in the early 1990s when archaeological raids by foreign devils from Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the United States removed whole libraries of ancient manuscripts, frescoes, and relics of early Buddhist culture from Northwest China, including the oldest known printed book in the world. How would the West feel if it were plundered by the East today, they asked Because the plane had come substantially west earlier in the day, my companions outlasted me. I excused myself when I started nodding off on the sidewalk. There was plenty to think about while drifting off to sleep at the hotel. One thought in particular kept banging around: Was it possible that, in the same way flying and diving helped acquaint people with other physical parts of the world they didnt necessarily know previously, that contrarian points of view were now more important than ever to explore so as to build a larger understanding of the dynamics of the world Whole other perspectives, modes of thinking and realms of possibilities no less legitimate could be found in other cultures. Who knew what important lessons America might benefit from, it seemed, if it started doing a better job of listening to and drawing on the worlds of experience and disciplines of Asia and elsewhere. Über den Autor