GFD Equipment

GFD Apparatus

Engine 4
Engine 4 is a 2013 Sutphen fire engine and is the “First Out” engine for structure fires and motor vehicle accidents. E-4 has a 1,500 gpm Hale pump, carries 500 gallons of water, and has seating for 6 firefighters.

Engine 3
Engine 3 is a 2007 Sutphen fire engine and is the “Second Out” engine for structure fires and motor vehicle accidents. E-3 has a 1,500 gpm Hale pump, carries 500 gall0ons of water, and has seating for 6 firefighters.

Engine 2
Engine 2 is a 2001 American LaFrance fire engine and operates as a reserve engine. E-2 has a 1,500 gpm Hale pump, carries 500 gallons of water, and has seating for 6 firefighters.

Tower 1
Tower 1 is a 2005 Sutphen 85’ Aerial Platform and operates as the only aerial apparatus in the city. T-1 has a 1,500 gpm Hale pump, carries 300 gallons of water, has seating for 6 firefighters, and carries a full complement of ground ladders.

Car 1
Car 1 is a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and is assigned to the Fire Chief.

Truck 6
Truck is a 2017 Ford F-250 pick-up that is assigned to the fire inspector.

Truck 5
Truck 5 is a 2001 Dodge 2500 pickup that serves as a staff vehicle.

Utility 7
Our UTV is a John Deere Gator that is used for multiple functions within the city such as the Christmas Parade, Veterans Day Parade, Love Graham, and Slice of Summer.

Antique Fire Truck

Equipment Carried on GFD Apparatus

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or commonly referred to as “the Airpack”
A device commonly worn by firefighters when entering or potentially entering an IDLH (immediate dangerous to life and health) atmosphere. The term self-contained means that the unit is nor dependent on a remote supply of air.

GFD currently used the MSA G1 and MSA Firehawk Airpacks

Air Monitoring Meter or commonly referred to as a “Multi-Gas Meter”
Electronic device used for measuring the presence of one or more chemicals/gases such as: Oxygen, Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Lower Explosive Limits.

Attack Hose

GFD carries several different sizes of fire attack and supply hose. Booster and forestry hose is the smallest diameter hose carries and it is used for mop-up situations where a larger size hose is no longer needed and forestry hose is used for grass fires. 1.5”, 1.75”, and 2.5” fire attack hoses are carried on GFD apparatus and used for fire suppression based on the size of the fire and available personnel for deployment. 5” supply hose is carried on all GFD apparatus and is used to supply water from the hydrant to the apparatus.

Ladders

GFD carries many size ladders to meet the needs of the buildings and homes in our city. Ladders are defined as aerial, extension, roof, and attic ladders.

Bunker Gear or commonly referred to as Turnout Gear or PPE

Term for the protective gear worn by firefighters. This gear includes Helmet, Coat, Pant, Boots, Suspenders, gloves, and hood. The average weight of gear worn by firefighters is 45 pounds. Add the “Airpack” and tools for an additional 30 pounds of weight.

Pike Pole or Hook

Pike poles or hooks are tools used by firefighters to access areas where hidden fires may exist. Many times this may include behind wood or plaster walls and above ceilings.

Deck Gun or Deluge Gun

A deck gun or deluge gun is a truck mounted or portable nozzle that is used to deliver large amounts of water. Most deck or deluge guns will flow in excess of 1,000 gallons per minute.

Extinguisher

A device containing fire suppressant, often pressurized to expel suppressant when triggers by the operator. Firefighters use extinguishers on fires instead of water based on the size and products burning.

Fire Axe

Fire axes have been used by firefighters throughout history. . GFD carries two types of axes: Flat Head and Pick Head.

Nozzles

Each GFD fire apparatus carries a selection of nozzles that are or can be attached to the hoses for fire suppression. Basic nozzle types include: Fog, Smooth Bore, and Combination.

Halligan Tool

The halligan tool is one of the most recognized firefighter tools. The halligan has a prying tool with a claw at one end and a spike and wedge at the other. Many times this tool is paired up with a flat head axe and called a “Set of Irons”.

High Rise Pack

A high rise pack is a hose bundle prepared for carrying to a standpipe in a multi-floor building for fire suppression purposes. This keeps the firefighters from dragging a hose from the truck up multiple stories.

Hydrant Wrench

Multiple hydrant wrenches are carried on each apparatus for the purpose of turning hydrants on and off. This wrench can also be used couple and uncouple hose together.

Extrication Tools

Extrication tools are carried by GFD for the purpose of extricating patients from wreck vehicles and to assist in firefighting efforts to gain access through locked doors and windows. GFD currently carries a Hurst eDraulic tool.

Passport Accountability System
This system is used by firefighters that have individual ID tags that are placed on board and monitored by Command or an Accountability Officer. This tag is placed on the board when the firefighter arrives and removed when the firefighter leaves the scene.

Salvage Covers
Salvage Covers are used by firefighters at the scene of a fire to cover property that is likely to be damaged by water or other firefighting activities. This covers generally remain in place until the property can be removed from the area. Salvage covers are mostly used during the overhaul phase of the fire.

Positive Pressure Fan or Smoke Ejector
Positive Pressure Fans are generally placed outside of a door and creates a positive pressure inside the structure to force smoke and heat out. This operation must be coordinated with firefighting crews to make sure that the positive pressure doesn’t fuel the fire or cause harm to the firefighters. Smoke Ejectors generally hang in a door or window and pulls the smoke out of the structure. Smoke Ejectors are a lot less effective but still have a place in the fire service.

Rope
Each GFD fire apparatus carries rope used by firefighters. There are three primary types of ropes: Life safety, Escape, and General Purpose.

Spanner Wrench
A spanner wrench is primarily used to tighten and loosen hose couplings. Some spanner wrenches can also be sued as a prying tool or gas shut-off.

Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC)
A TIC is a rugged infrared camera used by firefighters to detect hidden fires, to locate people and animals in fire buildings, and also used in Haz-Mat and missing person situations.

Ventilation Saw
A high-powered saw with metal cutting teeth or disc used for quickly making large openings in roofing materials.

GFD Safety Equipment

GFD Firefighters are issued protective fire gear (aka Turnout Gear, Bunker Gear, or PPE) to use when fighting fires, responding to motor vehicle accidents, and operating in hazardous environments.

We will break down the gear into the individual pieces:

Helmet
In the early years the firefighter helmet was designed to shed water off of the firefighter. While it still does the same function the helmet used today is really designed to protect the firefighter from falling debris and to shield the firefighter from heat and flame. Helmets are generally made of a plastic-carbon fiber or leather. The helmet has 4 basic components: Helmet Shell, Impact Ring, Helmet Liner, and Chin Strap.

Coat & Pants
The firefighter coat and pants are the main items that protect the firefighter from the heat and fire. The components used to make these items include: Outer Shell, Moisture Barrier, and Thermal Barrier. Most bunker gear is made of a Kevlar / Nomex blend to provide for longevity and best protection on the market.

Boots
Firefighter Boots are made of rubber or leather with a steel toe and/or shank to protect from crushing or penetrating items.

Gloves
Structural Firefighting gloves should fit securely over the wristlets of the coat to prevent debris or steam from entering the site. Firefighter gloves are designed to protect the firefighter from heat and sharp objects.

Hood
Firefighters wear hoods underneath their helmets and around the Airpack facepiece to protect the neck and areas around the ears from heat and flames. Most hoods are made of Nomex/Kevlar.

Radios
One of the most important items that a firefighter carries for safety is their radio. The radio is used to communicate back to the communications center while responding to the incident and then used to communicate with other firefighters and the incident Commander while on scene. GFD carries the Motorola 8000XE portable radio on the VIPER network.