The Fill Line

January 2014

A column for firehouse reading by Thomas J. Parsons

While out Scoot-a-Pootin. I saw a Seagraves quad with sanders on the vehicle from a photo sent from
Rick Sees, but I couldnt find any information in my files and books on sanders (even on the web, go figure).
I asked Kira OKeefe, my connection with the Mile High Hook and Ladder, (the SPAAMFAA chapter out of
Littleton Colorado), if any of her crowd knew anything about a fire truck sander, and no not the kind that
takes take the paint down to the primer, but a box of sand positioned in front of the drive tires. The sand is
used for traction for the apparatus. Kira reports, They were made by Elston, among other manufacturers, and
reports having them on their Pirsch fire engine. There is a switch on the dash that operates an electric solenoid
at the bottom of the hopper. They can use fine crushed gravel instead of sand, as it doesnt clog when it gets
moist. The school busses (here) in Estes Park also used them until the rotary chains came into use in the past
decade or so. The ones I am most familiar with were on school buses. They are active by an electric switch in
the cab by the driver, that opens an opening in the bottom of the sander, and the sand flows usually through
two tubes just in front of the tires to allow traction. The sand hopper is electrically heated, so that it can flow,
even in very cold weather. There a lot of school buses locally that use these today so there are manufactures
of them around. (Id bet Chief Mullin has them on the LFD rigs).
D.C. Rusty LeNeve (LFD Firefighter Engineer Retired) notes that Pierce Fire Apparatus will put them on a
rig so look for the local dealer to get some information. Other forwarded comments included: We use them on
the back of the plow trucks...like the Pick up truck kind. They are much like a spreader one would use for
grass fertilizer. The one's I have seen have a big hopper (box to store the stuff) & use an electronic press
button to spread it out. After the ice storm fiasco in the DFW metro, the idea really came to light to me!
John Sees of Pennsylvania reports his dept is sending a fire engine for a repaint and upgrade. There is the
possibility of the unit to be parked outside for extended times and someone decided to put RV antifreeze in the
pump but asks would it ruin the seals. Other thoughts?
Happy birthday to Andrew Branca. Tim Birdwell, did you receive my e-mail on bunkrooms in a fire station?
Just FYI to date, there have been over 230 views of the December Fill line online. Thanks, Chrissy Rogalski for
that input. Now if only I could enjoy that coverage at my home with my dial up. By the way Rick, are you now
considered a Quint?
Ken Isom adds that the Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) has just released its new Auxiliary
Communications Field Operations Guide (AUXFOG). The AUXFOG is a reference for auxiliary
communicators who directly support backup emergency communications for State/local public safety entities or
for an amateur radio organization supporting public safety. It contains information about AuxComm best
practices, frequently used radio frequencies, mutual aid channels as well as tips and suggestions about auxiliary
emergency communicators integrating into a NIMS ICS environment to support communications for planned
events or incidents. It can serve as a reference both for auxiliary emergency communicators and public safety
communications professionals. This document is a free download on OECs Public Safety Tools website:
www.publicsafetytools.info with suggested instructions on how the document could be put together. OEC does
not plan on making hard copies of this document.
I had business in Waxahachie and decided to take a chance to visit the Waxahachie Rural/ESD 6 fire station
off FM 66. I met up with Wesley Walker who happened to be doing some clean up in the general room. Since I
had not been inside the new quarters before, Wesley gave me a gracious tour of the facility. This is not to say
that Dick Brillhart and I will not get together as planned, but I took that chance since I was close. I will give this
stop more of a report next month due to space, but should be worth hearing about. I have to tell you about the
simulator, and the two newest additions to the fleet. Thats all for now, meanwhile, keep the hoses dry and well
see you out while scoot-a-pootin. Connect with me at phone: 972-878-0562, or e-mail me at:
labwdp@academicplanet.com
Question of the Month: January 14. What fire apparatus builder used this symbol
forward rigs?

on

their cab

The answer for: December 13 The cover of the 12/16/1950 Saturday Evening Post shows the aerial extended on
the community ladder truck, and as people stood and watched, the firefighters were putting up decorations on
their firehouse. The cat watched also.
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The Firehouse kitchen. Books had arrived a few minutes early, since he had wanted to park in Curbs parking
slot nearest the door just to aggravate him. Now that lazy slob can walk a few extra feet which should make his
day, he snorted. Inside he sets his blaring volunteer radio on the table and goes to the locker room to get his shirt
and tie. Stan Mertz takes the radio and sets it in the other fridge. With a call of nature, Books diverts to the
bathroom and settles in with an old copy of an American Fire Engine, and forgets his radio. Lt Hart gags on the
aroma, and accuses Books of being related to Captain Snut. Dink arrives and decides to bond with the Loo. Uh
Omigosh, the sewer has backed up something, moans Dink. With that cue, Lt Hart mentions that it has crawled
up on the seat and is awaiting shift change. Even Books laughs at that one and tells the Loo he is fitting right in
with the rest of the boys. Give us a courtesy flush why dont ya, says the Loo as he leaves the tiny bathroom.
Dink thinks he is offended but is not sure how.
By now, Captain Snut and Reach come through the back door. Reach sets the groceries on the counter and
returns to his car for his linens. Curbs follows returning Reach and sets at the end of the table wearing his normal
frown having to have walked a few more feet and then notices the other crew has turned off the coffee pot. MPO
Henry informs MPO Curbs it is too close to shift change to start a new pot of brew, and by the way the shelves in
the engine room for tools, truck supplies and anything else that could be stored on it has fallen and there are bits
and pieces of wood and the accumulated mess scattered about the engine bay. Can Curbs, being the infamous
woodworker he claims to be, repair it sometime during his busy schedule. MPO Henry admits he wasnt an
accomplished carpenter and besides the shelves fell after duty hours. Curbs is deciding weather to call the union
or just take sick leave, as the day isnt starting well.
Chief Burns backs his car into the open bay. Chief Burns is in a hurry as he is due for some meeting and is
looking for some reports he swears he left at the firehouse 13. Lt. Hart tells the little chief he had seen some forms
and a big yellow envelope in the bathroom. Of course Books leaves the small bathroom and closes the door,
forgetting to open the window as he looks for his volunteer radio. Chief Burns is blasted and lets out a loud
Gal dang it all, Curbs, where is your decency for mankind, gal dang it all. But chief, it wasnt me, whines
Curbs. The Loo exchanges a wink to Captain Snut, and while the others are exchanging glances, they all point
toward Reach who is looking in the fridge and finds Books volunteer radio.
The shift members retreat to the engine room floor for the exchange, Dink shuts the overhead door and gets in
line as the little chief leaps down the stairs, Gal dang it all, get that garage door up, I gotta get downtown, barks
the little chief. MPO Henry pushes the button, but the chain raising the door suddenly jumps off the track. Well,
Gal dang it all, stupid dang chain, yells Chief Burns. Dink just looks his normal innocent self and sighs, Uh,
Ohmigosh, howd that happen?
The shift exchange suddenly breaks up while B shift quickly leaves the building. Reach begins some egg
sandwiches, and Curbs starts a fresh pot of coffee. Dink has opened the bathroom window and sloshes some pine
cleaner around as Chief Burns decides that he may as well take advantage of the moment and the chiefs chair
is quickly slid under his behind. The smell of fresh coffee and the egg sandwiches quickly overcome the pine
smell, as everyone gets ready to eat. The laptop, opened showing the truck inventory check page is pushed out of
the way. There are no words spoken as the gang and the little chief devour their food and drink. The year may
change, but not the routine at firehouse 13.
It will take only a few moments to get the door chain back in place.
Have your copy yet? I understand the last quarter sales were well for The Firehouse Kitchen. I even received a
few e-notes from readers like, when were you at our department, to you describe the other shift very well.
You can place orders at 1-800-834-1803, or go on line at bookorders@rosedogbooks.com. They are also
available at Rose Dogs Yahoo! Store at the following; www.rosedogbookstore.com the book is also available at
Amazon.com. Thank you all for checking it out.
Prayer portion. We prepare for the New Year, and think of all that needs to be done, will there be enough time
to accomplish all on the agenda. We plan but do we also prepare for Him in our plans. What can we accomplish
without Him? Start each day with Jesus and see. We pray for those with health issues as well as financial
situations, those unknown request and beyond. Be with us Lord as we go about the serving of our communities
through fire and rescue request from the public. Praise God!

Remember! Dont leave the station with out your FILL LINE!
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