Shops and Reserve Apparatus
The Department Shops play a vital role in maintaining the units and equipment, keeping them ready for any call! When any frontline apparatus needs service, the field mechanic will assist the crew in switching gear over to a reserve apparatus. Also, when equipment needs replacing, such as the SCBA, the field mechanic will ensure that the new gear will pass the necessary tests before being used in real calls.
The reserve apparatus in the department are ready reserve, meaning that they are fully stocked with standard equipment and can be pressed into service at any time. The personnel can then simply switch over to the reserve rigs. When in service, the apparatus will have the call sign of the apparatus it substituted. For example, if the frontline Truck 5 is in maintenance and Reserve Truck 501 is filling in, when a call comes in for Truck 5, the reserve truck will be called Truck 5. A rare occurrence for the reserve apparatus to be pressed into service happens when fire department resources are strained due to an unusually high number of calls, a large fire occurs in the city, a big event in the city, or a high risk of fire (wildland fire season). In this case, recall personnel (from various platoons) will fully staff the apparatus (up to 6 men per rig) and will be stationed in pre-designated stations to achieve minimum response time. The department currently owns seven reserve apparatus: 4 engines, 2 trucks, and 1 rescue truck. See Station 1, Station 2, and Station 9 for more details!
The reserve apparatus in the department are ready reserve, meaning that they are fully stocked with standard equipment and can be pressed into service at any time. The personnel can then simply switch over to the reserve rigs. When in service, the apparatus will have the call sign of the apparatus it substituted. For example, if the frontline Truck 5 is in maintenance and Reserve Truck 501 is filling in, when a call comes in for Truck 5, the reserve truck will be called Truck 5. A rare occurrence for the reserve apparatus to be pressed into service happens when fire department resources are strained due to an unusually high number of calls, a large fire occurs in the city, a big event in the city, or a high risk of fire (wildland fire season). In this case, recall personnel (from various platoons) will fully staff the apparatus (up to 6 men per rig) and will be stationed in pre-designated stations to achieve minimum response time. The department currently owns seven reserve apparatus: 4 engines, 2 trucks, and 1 rescue truck. See Station 1, Station 2, and Station 9 for more details!
Field Mechanic Unit
The Castle Beach Fire Department Shops is a vital part of the department. Not only are they responsible for maintaining the heavy equipment, but they also provide support for any gear and tools the firefighters and paramedics use. The fleet mechanic is the chief engineer for the shops and does routine checkups for all apparatus. During prolonged incidents, the fleet mechanic can be requested by the IC to supply vehicles with fuel and assist in the decontamination of firefighters after the hazard has been mitigated. In the unfortunate case where an apparatus becomes damaged and is in need of towing, the fleet mechanic can request Heavy Rescue 2 to tow the vehicle to the Shops where the fate of the said vehicle will be determined. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shops has taken an additional role in developing a protocol for members to clean both themselves and the apparatus.
Technical specifications:
2019 RAM 5500 4x4
6.7 Liter Cummins Diesel Engine
325 HP, 750 lb ft Torque
Aisin® AS69RC 6-Speed Transmission
Maintainer EH4520 crane
Onan 20 kW generator
Credit:
David H for the compartments
Abeed M for the decals
Technical specifications:
2019 RAM 5500 4x4
6.7 Liter Cummins Diesel Engine
325 HP, 750 lb ft Torque
Aisin® AS69RC 6-Speed Transmission
Maintainer EH4520 crane
Onan 20 kW generator
Credit:
David H for the compartments
Abeed M for the decals