West Point's Directorate of Emergency Services just increased its fire power.
A recently purchased fire engine and fire/rescue boat bring the DES' capabilities to a new level, Fire Chief Curt Krieger said last week.
The fire engine, which was purchased by the Department of the Army and delivered to West Point in April, replaces a 1988 ladder truck that frequently broke down. While it was at the end of its 20-year life expectancy, the old truck had been ailing for a while from working in many harsh New York winters.
The new engine, worth $870,000, features a 95-foot ladder with a basket at the top and several other features that have firefighters giddy about their new vehicle.
Chrome-colored compartments line both sides of the engine and store equipment such as oxygen tanks, first aid supplies and litters. A black and gold U.S. Army emblem decorates both sides of the red truck.
But as tricked out as the new engine is, it greatly enhances the fire department's ability to respond to emergencies, Krieger said, especially at a post with historic architecture.
"The way the quarters are here with the historic homes, it is hard to get to some of the angles (with ground ladders)," Krieger said. "If someone is on the third floor, it can be hard to get to them or to some of the attic spaces."
The basket at the top of the ladder makes rescues and fighting fires on upper floors and roofs much safer than the old truck that had just a regular rung ladder.
The basket can hold up to 1,000 pounds, and an air tank on the arm that extends the basket helps firefighters stay connected to clean air without having to haul heavy oxygen tanks. A special nozzle can spray up to 1,500 gallons of water per minute. A nozzle on the main part of the truck can spray up to 2,000 gallons of water per minute.
The truck is given more stability with a balance mechanism that looks like a set of legs that extend from the sides of the truck to keep it from tipping over when the ladder is extended.
"With the new technology, you almost can't operate it unless it is safe," Krieger said.
Sensors detect the engine's footing and also help with safely stowing the 95-foot ladder after use.
The new engine is kept at the fire station on Stony Lonesome Road and has not yet been required for an emergency.
Firefighters have been training to learn how to drive and operate the engine.
All 55 West Point firefighters know how each part of the engine operates.
"When you go to an emergency, you don't want there to be a debate," Krieger said. "You want it to be second nature."
All 55 firefighters also know how to operate the new fire/rescue boat, which was purchased by West Point's Garrison and delivered in March.
The 25-foot bright red boat, which is moored at South Dock, already has been called to respond to five emergencies including boats in distress and a threatened suicide on Bear Mountain Bridge. The boat, which is worth $125,000, doubles the fire department's capability to respond to emergencies on the Hudson River and area lakes and ponds. DES maintains a 16-foot boat, which now will mainly be used for the smaller bodies of water.
While the smaller boat was used for emergencies on the Hudson, it wasn't always strong enough to withstand tough currents or weather. It also had no lights for night use and had no equipment with which to fight fires. The new boat's technology and equipment solves all of those problems.
All of West Point's firefighters have completed a New York state boater's safety course and are certified to operate the boat.
The boat will be called into action for the July 4 festivities, including a free West Point Band concert and fireworks, at Trophy Point, so it can be ready in case an emergency takes place.
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