New Rescue Squad in Service

New Heavy Rescue Placed into Service
Germantown FS29 in service, Rockville, FS3 next

Fire Chief Richard Bowers recently announced delivery of the first of three Pierce Dash Rescue Squads. This 2008 unit is labeled with the Council of Governments numbering system as RS729. RS729 was delivered this afternoon at Dover Road and after completing their inventory/unit familiarization; Station 29's crew has just placed the unit in service and is headed back to Company 29.



The unit is powered by a Cummins ISM 450 hp diesel motor with a Jake Brake through an Allison automatic transmission. It is equipped with a Kohler 20KW diesel powered generator and a PTO driven Onan 35 KW hydraulic generator. There are 6 riding positions…all forward facing.

Latest generation safety features. Equipped with Roll Stability Technology, passenger restraint technology and Driver/Officer side curtain air bags as well as rear outboard side curtain air bags.

All standard firefighting equipment such as Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, portable hand lights, hand tools, etc. for each of the 6 riding positions

A state of the art Hurst hydraulic rescue tool system (Jaws of Life), including 6 tools pre-connected to reels so that each tool is “hot” and ready to use immediately on arrival. In addition, multiple gasoline powered portable power units assure the tools can be used remote from the apparatus.

35kW PTO generator and 20kW Diesel Back-up generator for all lighting (including a 9,000 watt Wilburt light tower), electrical tools, and other electrical power needs

A complete Paratech Rescue Strut package capable of use in vehicle stabilization, trench rescue, building collapse, and other rescue scenarios

An entire “heavy rigging” equipment component including numerous heavy duty chains, rigging slings, come-a-longs, anchoring devices, portable winches, etc.

Front and rear apparatus mounted winches, including a heavy duty 20,000 lb. hydraulic rear mounted winch, and 9,000 lb. electric front winch that can be mounted on the front or either side of the apparatus…both for stabilization and movement of heavy trucks and large equipment

Stationary anchoring points on all 4 sides of the apparatus, top and bottom, for securing unstable vehicles and other objects

Water and ice rescue equipment, including dry suits and ice rescue suits to protect personnel from the effects of contaminated flood water, extreme cold water and weather, and icy environments

High angle rescue equipment, such as ropes, pulleys, harnesses, stokes baskets, etc., for rescue from high-rise buildings, steep embankments, structural power and water towers, rock cliffs, etc.

A Heavy Duty Air Plasma Cutting System and the new state of the art Petrogen cutting torch, both for cutting different types of thick structural steel and aluminum

A Rapid Intervention Kit and two thermal imaging cameras for locating and rescuing victims and downed firefighters trapped in burning buildings

A 16.2 CFM on-board air compressor and a portable Scott Air Cart to power an assortment of pneumatic cutting, lifting, and burning tools, in addition to ½” and ¾” pneumatic impact guns for dismantling large truck tires and heavy equipment

A full compliment of high and medium pressure power lifting bags for lifting anything from cars to concrete to trains, and anything in between

Concrete cutting and chipping equipment for lightweight structural collapse, as well as concrete anchoring systems to lift or stabilize concrete slabs, or utilize intact slabs as anchoring systems for other loads

Literally a “forest” of wood cribbing and shoring materials for stabilization of vehicles, heavy machinery, structural building collapses, etc.

Confined space rescue equipment such as atmospheric monitoring devices, ventilation systems, patient evacuation systems, etc. for rescue of victims trapped in Permit Required Confined Spaces

The new Hurst Hydraulic Power Lifting Cylinders capable of lifting an object weighing almost 100,000 lbs.

Dozens of small hand tools, screw drivers, wrenches, etc. for dismantling equipment where victims may be trapped or entangled

Numerous firefighting tools including ventilations fans, fire extinguishers, fire/rescue roofing saws, ladders, interior and exterior lighting units, etc.