Squad 37 gets an Early Christmas Present with Upgrade/Reorganizations
By Fire Chief Frank Dowlin
December 3, 2023
Over the past month, Squad 37, also known as Engine 37-1, has undergone significant upgrades and reorganization to enhance its operational capabilities.
Earlier this year, the company was fortunate to receive a grant that enabled us to transition from our 25+-year-old hydraulic tools to modern electric/hydraulic driven rescue tools. Utilizing this grant, we invested in a complete set of new Holmatro Pentheon Tools, which included two spreaders, two cutters, and one ram, at a total cost of $76,000.
Following the acquisition, ESI Equipment installed these new tools. The crew then reorganized the equipment layout to accommodate additional tools. These include extra junkyard dog struts, new battery-operated scene lights, a variety of new battery-operated saws (both chain and rotary), electric and battery-operated cut-off wheels and grinders, a Dremel tool, and new windshield cutting tools that are drill-driven.
Furthermore, we have enhanced our scene lighting capabilities by adding 52-inch light bars (120v) on each side of the unit.
In addition to these upgrades, we have placed an order for the innovative Holmatro T1 tool. This versatile tool is designed to cut, wedge, ram, spread, hammer, and lift, all in one device.
These improvements complement the existing equipment on the truck, which is used for vehicle rescue and fire suppression.
Currently designated as Engine 37-1, the unit is equipped with a rescue attribute. We are hopeful that in January, following a vote on the apparatus minimum requirements and designation change, the unit's call sign will be officially changed to Squad 37.
Units:
Squad 37
New Holmatro tools installed by ESI Equipment 2 cutters, 2 spreaders, 1 Ram
Also show is 2 ResQ struts
New electric drills with windshield tools
2nd cutter sits behind tools shown earlier
2 new Junk-Yard Dog struts
Hand tools moved around to accommodate struts
Portable scene lights
Tool box
Oil dry
Medical equip. W/AED (behind oil dry)
3 to 1 Rooe bag and multiple other rope bags and Salvage tarps on bottom
New portable scene lights ran by DeWalt batteries
Electrical cord reels, pigtail box, electrical scene lighting, positive pressure fans, ResQ strut accessories, step cribbing, assortment of chains, come along winch, and assortment of toe straps
assortment of chains, come along winch, and assortment of toe straps
Sawsall’s and back up batteries for all Daywalt equipment
Top self:
Electric and battery operated grinders, cut off wheels and Dremel tools, as well as extra drills and screw guns.
1st self down:
Battery operated rotary, saw, and leaf blower
2nd self down:
Battery operated chainsaw, flare kits, pedal, cut off tool, and Hydro-ram
Pull out tray:
Assortment of cribbing, 2 x 4’s, 4 x 4’s as well as a bag off different size wedges, and staging tarps
New 52 inch scene lights (120v)added to each side of the unit
