Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a frame having a cab defining an interior within which a flash memory device is permanently mounted. The flash memory device is isolated so that it is incapable of receiving any onboard operating data pertaining to the operation and status of the firefighting apparatus. Instead, the device primarily stores data regarding a service manual, maintenance manual, electrical diagrams and/or troubleshooting guide related to the firefighting apparatus. The device is able to be selectively coupled to a portable computing device so that a user working on the firefighting apparatus can access the data without risk of loss or misplacement thereof. A related method also is provided.

Abstract: A wildland urban interface (WUI) firefighting apparatus is provided in the form of a four-wheel or all-wheel drive pumper truck that merges the high-clearance and off road capability of a Type 3 wildland pumper truck with the functionality, exceptional handling, mobility and storage capacity of a Type 1 pumper truck. The truck can include a short front overhang chassis yielding a 20+ degree angle of approach and an optional 20+ degree angle of departure. The truck can include a compact water distribution system including a narrow discharge manifold plumbed to an engine PTO driven primary pump and optional portable secondary pump, which can operate during pump and roll firefighting procedures. The discharge manifold can be coupled to electronic valves operated via a control panel, and can be so narrow that it can contribute to shortening the truck's wheelbase.

Abstract: A pole assembly to support a device at an elevation and including a slidably joined first tube and second tube. A first collar mounts to an end of the first tube and the second tube protrudes from the end. A second collar is adjacent the first collar. A lock-and-key coupling, associated with the collars, prevents them from separating longitudinally along the tubes. The coupling is operable in adjustment and lock modes while a key is in a lock aperture to secure the collars together. In the adjustment mode, the tubes can slidably move relative to one another. In the lock mode, the first tube can be fixed relative to the second tube. The key can slide radially inward and outward, toward and away from a longitudinal axis of the first and second tubes when the lock-and-key coupling transitions from the adjustment mode to the lock mode and vice versa.

Abstract: A firefighting apparatus has a positive pressure ventilation system for impairing dust, dirt, and other debris from entering a storage compartment of the apparatus. The system can blow dust, dirt and debris out from the storage compartment if the same enters the compartment. The positive pressure ventilation system includes a blower assembly that supplies a positive flow of air to the storage compartment, such that the pressure within the storage compartments is greater than the environment, and air will egress from the storage compartment into the surrounding environment, rather than entering the storage compartment from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a frame having a cab defining an interior within which a flash memory device is permanently mounted. The flash memory device is isolated so that it is incapable of receiving any onboard operating data pertaining to the operation and status of the firefighting apparatus. Instead, the device primarily stores data regarding a service manual, maintenance manual, electrical diagrams and/or troubleshooting guide related to the firefighting apparatus. The device is able to be selectively coupled to a portable computing device so that a user working on the firefighting apparatus can access the data without risk of loss or misplacement thereof.

Abstract: A wildland urban interface (WUI) firefighting apparatus is provided in the form of a four-wheel or all-wheel drive pumper truck that merges the high-clearance and off road capability of a Type 3 wildland pumper truck with the functionality, exceptional handling, mobility and storage capacity of a Type 1 pumper truck. The truck can include a short front overhang chassis yielding a 20+ degree angle of approach and an optional 20+ degree angle of departure. The truck can include a compact water distribution system including a narrow discharge manifold plumbed to an engine PTO driven primary pump and optional portable secondary pump, which can operate during pump and roll firefighting procedures. The discharge manifold can be coupled to electronic valves operated via a control panel, and can be so narrow that it can contribute to shortening the truck's wheelbase.

Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a cab and a body having a storage unit configured to store a self-contained breathing apparatus, contaminated by harmful chemicals at an emergency scene, in the body rather than in the cab where occupants ride, so the occupants are not exposed to the harmful chemicals, which might be hazardous, toxic, carcinogenic or otherwise deleterious to health. The storage unit can include a storage wall mounted on upper and lower telescoping rail systems, and can be selectively movable relative to a compartment opening from a storage mode, where the storage wall is disposed in a compartment to a retrieval mode, where the storage wall extends beyond the opening so a user can access air tank supports to store a self-contained breathing apparatus. Related methods of storing a contaminated apparatus in the storage unit, distal from the cab and occupants thereof, are also provided.

Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a frame having a cab defining an interior within which a flash memory device is permanently mounted. The flash memory device is isolated so that it is incapable of receiving any onboard operating data pertaining to the operation and status of the firefighting apparatus. Instead, the device primarily stores data regarding a service manual, maintenance manual, electrical diagrams and/or troubleshooting guide related to the firefighting apparatus. The device is able to be selectively coupled to a portable computing device so that a user working on the firefighting apparatus can access the data without risk of loss or misplacement thereof.

Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes an extendable crosslay hose bed which facilitates access to the crosslay bed for loading and pulling flexible fire hose. The bed is mounted to a frame, generally behind the cab of the apparatus, which can be a fire truck. The bed includes a moveable tray extending laterally, across a width of the truck. The tray can be oriented generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the truck as well. The tray and/or an optional underlying support frame can be coupled to a power unit adapted to extend and retract the support frame and moveable tray from stored position to a deployed position. A control can be in communication with the power unit and operable by a user to control movement of the tray from the stored position to the deployed position.

Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a frame, cab and/or body to which a signal light grab handle or elongated light integrated handle is mounted. The handle is operable in an illumination mode in which the grab handle emits illumination in a predefined manner, and a sleep mode in which the grab handle emits no illumination. The grab handle includes a light strip including a plurality of light sources, such as LEDs. This strip can be coupled to a wire that extends through one or more handle attachment brackets, and through an exterior outer panel of the apparatus. The light grab handle provides at least one of warning lights, brake lights and signal lights to observers of the firefighting apparatus when actuated.

Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a frame, cab and/or body to which a signal light grab handle is mounted. The signal light grab handle is operable in a flashing mode in which the signal light grab handle emits illumination in a predefined flashing pattern, and a sleep mode in which the signal light grab handle emits no illumination. The signal light grab handle includes a light strip including a plurality of light sources, such as LEDs. This strip can be coupled to a wire that extends through upper and/or lower handle attachment brackets, and through an exterior outer panel of the apparatus. The signal light grab handle provides at least one of warning lights and signal lights to observers of the firefighting apparatus when actuated.

Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes an aerial ladder and at least one of a rung alignment status indicator and a load status indicator. The rung alignment status indicator can include a lighting strip having multiple lighting elements on the ladder that are selectively illuminated depending on whether first rungs of one section of the ladder and second rungs of another section of the ladder are aligned or misaligned. The load status indicator can include a lighting strip including multiple lighting elements on the ladder and/or at a control console that are selectively illuminated depending on whether the ladder is overloaded beyond an aerial ladder capacity rating or other value. A user on the aerial ladder and/or at a control console can view the indicators to evaluate rung alignment and load status.

Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes an aerial ladder, a side stack hose bed and a side access ladder that provides access to the aerial ladder when the aerial ladder obstructs another access ladder. The side stack hose bed is mounted to a frame in a rearward portion of the apparatus. A first side access ladder is mounted to a first side of the frame forward of the side stack hose bed and optionally forward of the rear axle. Another second side access ladder is mounted to a second side of the frame. A movable side stack hose bed cover extends over the hose bed, and can include a rigid plate extending from the first side access ladder toward the aerial ladder. The first side access ladder and hose bed cover cooperatively form a path from a ground location toward the aerial ladder to facilitate access to the aerial ladder.