RFPD Fire Apparatus Fleet
RFPD apparatus are classified according to the functions they perform. The apparatus deployed by the District all have specific functions ranging from pumping water to carrying advanced life support equipment. Most of the apparatus in the RFPD fleet also serve secondary functions in support of emergency services operations. While firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and members are our most valuable asset, RFPD apparatus are also an important component of the district’s service delivery mission. The District has established an aggressive attitude towards upgrading apparatus having purchased three modern apparatus in the past six years. The RFPD believes a well functioning apparatus fleet is one of the keys to successful fire and emergency services operations.
Engines
Rochester Fire Protection District Engines provide delivery of firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and members to requests for service. The engines provide water, hose, appliances, equipment, and, in the case of Engine two, paramedic emergency medical services equipment. All the engines provide pumping of water capabilities rated from 1000 to 1250 gallons of water per minute. To initiate firefighting RFPD engines also carry 1000 gallons of water in their on board tanks.
Engine 1 (E-1)
Make and Model: 1989 International S2500 Cab and chassis built by Towers Manufacturing with a 1250 gallon per minute front mount pumper, and 1000 gallon water tank
Mission: Second out engine and first out mutual aid engine
A twenty year veteran of the RFPD apparatus fleet, E-1 represents the last in a series of three front mount pumpers to serve RFPD starting in 1969. E-1 continues to provide service as the second out engine and is the first out engine for mutual aid request for a RFPD engine. The steel constructed tank was replaced in 2007. In recent pump testing E-1's front mount pump functioned at over 1500 gallons of water per minute. The plan is to retire E-1 from service in 2014.
Engine 2 (E-2)
Make and Model: 2006 Pierce Dash mid mount pump with top mounted pump panel, 1250 gallon per minute pump and 1000 gallon UPF plastic tank.
Mission: First out engine, first out emergency medical servirces, first out rescue
E-2 represents a number of firsts for the RFPD. E-2 is the first apparatus purchased primarily with funds provided by federal assistance to firefighter grant monies. It is also the first custom built engine acquired by the RFPD. E-2 is the first apparatus purchased by the district that can respond with a crew of up to six fighters, emergency medical technicians, or members. E-2 is the first apparatus to display the black over red paint scheme developed by former chief Dick Rentschler. It is a purpose built fire apparatus that carries a full compliment of firefighting hose, appliances, paramedic emergency medical services supplies, and rescue equipment. The plan is for E-2 to serve as our first out engine for the next twenty (20) years, rehabilitate one time and allow it to serve as a reserve apparatus for an additional five (5) years prior to being retired from service.
Engine 3 (E-3)
Make and Model: 1984 International all wheel drive mid mount pump and 1200 gallon tank
Mission: Stationed at Berry, structure and brush/ground fires
One of the most unique and tallest standing fire apparatus in Sangamon County, E-3 was built by members of the district in the 1980’s to provide firefighters with an elevated platform to fight fire in fields with standing corn. The last of the manual transmission apparatus in service, E-3 personifies the firefighting anywhere anytime attitude that is part of the history of the RFPD.
Tankers
Due to the lack of water supply in most of the rural areas serviced by the RFPD, the district maintains three tankers to haul water. The mobile water supply apparatus in service with the district all carry 3000 gallons of water. No other fire protection district in Sangamon County can mobilize tankers capable of putting 9000 gallons of water on the fire scene. The district is also an active provider of tankers to other fire protection districts through our mutual aid agreements.
Tanker 1 (T-1)
Make and Model: A 1988 International S1900 Cab and chassis with a 3000 gallon steel water tank, 500 gallon per minute transfer pump, and a 3000 gallon portable water tank..
Mission: Water shuttle operations related to structure fires.
T-1 is a heavy hauler of water that is able to set up on scene with a portable water tank capable of holding 3000 gallons of water. The three thousand gallon portable tank is the first portable tank of that size purchased by the RFPD to facilitate improved water shuttle operations. Plan is for T-1 to remain in service until 2013.
Tanker 3 (T-3)
Make and Model: 1999 International 4900 cab and chassis with steel 3000 gallon water take, 2100 gallon portable water tank, and 500 gallon per minute transfer pump.
Mission: Water shuttle operations and first out tanker related to structure fire mutual aid requests for RFPD apparatus.
T-3 is the last of the all steel water trucks purchased by the RFPD in the 1980s and 1990s. Featuring excellent handling, T-3 is used when training new members to drive tankers. The emergency warning lighting system was upgraded recently and the steel tank was welded to facilitate continued consistent and reliable service. Plan is to upgrade T-3 with a 3000 gallon portable water tank similar in size to T-1 and T-2's portable water tanks. T-3 should be in service until 2019.
Squads
Rochester Fire Protection District Squads provide supplemental services including transportation for firefighting, medical, and rescue operations. Additionally each squad is designed with a variety of services in mind. Squad Three is a one-of-a-kind apparatus in Sangamon County that offers several different functions. It is frequently requested for mutual aid related to its mobile air cascade capability.
Squad 1 (S-1)
Make and Model: 1996 Chevrolet 3500 cab and chassis with twelve foot utility body
Mission: Emergency medical services calls and first out for mutual aid calls related to emergency medical services
A representation of our history as demonstrated by the white with red trim color scheme of the Rochester Rescue Squad, this apparatus responds for emergency medical service calls. Plan is to maintain S-1 as an emergency medical services vehicle until 2016.
Squad 2 (S-2)
Make and Model: 1988 Chevrolet Suburban
Mission: Personnel and equipment transportation
Another primarily white apparatus incorporated into the RFPD fleet from the Rochester Rescue Squad, this is a vehicle purchased with funds partially generated from sales of pizza throughout the Rochester Community. Due to its limited ability to carry equipment, S-2 is now used primarily for its ability to move firefighters and their gear to the training locations and to fire scenes. S-2 is expected to stay in service as a reserve people mover until 2013.
Squad 3 (S-3)
Make and Model: 2004 International 4400 cab and chassis with 18 foot walk in body, 25 kilowatt generator, 6000 watt extendable light tower, and apparatus mounted air cascade system.
Mission: Transport firefighters, portable electric power generation, light for night operations, fill SCBA bottles as needed, fire ground rehabilitation, and command
S-3 is a jack of all trades. It is capable of moving firefighters, emergency medical technicians and members with support equipment for structure fires and rescue operations. S-3 is also set up with on board computer capability for command center functions. The walk in body and temperature control makes S-3 the apparatus of choice for rehabilitation of firefighters on scene.
Brush Trucks
Brush one and Engine Three serve as first out apparatus for the many brush and ground fires the district extinguishes every year. Because of the difficult off road terrain encountered during brush fire operations both Brush One and Engine Three are equipped with all wheel drive. The brush trucks also carry a load of forestry hose and appliances that are used in the difficult terrain where they are often deployed.
Brush 1 (B-1)
Make and Model: 1999 Ford F550 cab and chassis with a custom built bed that includes a 400 gallon capacity water tank.
Mission: First out on brush fires
The last of the apparatus put into service by Chief Jerry Moore, B-1 is active in fighting brush and ground fires throughout the district. To meet the needs for apparatus to fight fire in grass, brush, and other difficult situations Chief Moore designed a tough four wheel drive apparatus to move firefighters to the location of the fire. Expected to be in service until 2017, B-1 is an active member of the RFPD firefighting fleet.
Boat
Boat
Make and Model: Sixteen foot John boat with extra wide commercial width body
Mission: Search, rescue, and recovery services related to water exposures.
Another of the Rochester Rescue Squad’s apparatus that joined the RFPD fleet in 2000, our boat has been extensively renovated, painted and upgraded in the past eight years. District marine operational safety has been greatly improved thanks to donations from citizens. Plan is to upgrade Boat One with a new and improved motor and maintain Boat One as a valuable part of our apparatus fleet.
Retired
Jeep
The 1947 Willys Jeep is a rolling piece of RFPD history. This is the first apparatus purchased by the District. Plan is to replace the brakes and overhaul the power plant in early 2010 and bring “THE JEEP” up to public relations and parade status.