News Summary
The Chattanooga Fire Department is in the process of selecting a new Fire Chief as current Chief Phil Hyman prepares for retirement. In addition to leadership changes, the department is modernizing its fleet with an order of ten custom pumpers. These upgrades aim to replace aging vehicles and improve operational efficiency, enhancing safety and effectiveness during emergencies. Furthermore, city leaders are contemplating lowering the minimum hiring age for new firefighters to expand the recruitment pool, potentially bringing in personnel from neighboring states.
Chattanooga – The search for the new Chattanooga Fire Chief has been narrowed down to six internal candidates as current Fire Chief Phil Hyman prepares for retirement in July after 30 years of service.
As the department anticipates a transition in leadership, it is also focusing on modernizing its fleet. Chattanooga Fire Department has officially placed an order for 10 custom pumpers in collaboration with Spartan Emergency Response and Atlantic Coast Fire Trucks. This effort aims to replace aging vehicles and meet the growing operational demands of the department.
The new fleet includes a variety of specialized pumpers designed to enhance firefighting capabilities. Specifically, the order consists of two custom pumpers, four squad pumpers, and four S-180 Model 2114 pumpers. Each of these vehicles is built with advanced technology and features that ensure efficiency and safety during operations.
The four S-180 pumpers are notable for their Spartan Metro Star EMFD 10-inch RR chassis and powerful Cummins L9 450 horsepower engines. These pumpers are equipped with a Waterous CSU 1500 GPM pump, a 750-gallon water tank, as well as a hard hose bed cover and ROM roll-up doors, all contributing to their effectiveness in emergency situations.
The squad pumpers include high-performance features to support rescue operations. They are outfitted with Spartan Gladiator EMFD 10-inch RR chassis and Cummins X12 500 horsepower engines, equipped with a Waterous CSU 2000 GPM pump and a 500-gallon water tank. These vehicles also boast full-depth rescue compartments and storage for nine rescue extrication tools, along with a Harrison Hydraulic 10 kW generator to facilitate power needs during rescue operations.
The two custom pumpers feature a Spartan Metro Star MFD 10-inch RR chassis paired with Cummins X12 500 horsepower engines, a 750-gallon water tank, and a Waterous CSU 2000 GPM pump. They are designed with a low hose bed, rear pre-connects, and a hinged rear tailboard, making them highly maneuverable and well-equipped for urban firefighting challenges, given their 96-inch-wide body.
In a move to enhance departmental efficiency, Logistics Chief Carlos Tibbs emphasized the critical role of fleet modernization for firefighter safety and operational readiness. The upgrade of fire vehicles reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining high standards in public safety and ensuring the safety of firefighters during their duties.
In addition to fleet updates, city leaders are considering adjusting the minimum hiring age for the Fire Department to 18 years. This proposal aims to expand the hiring pool, which the department intends to broaden beyond the city limits and into neighboring states like Georgia. If approved, this plan will be presented to voters on the November ballot, opening up new opportunities for recruitment in a field that has faced challenges in staffing.
As Chief Hyman approaches his retirement, the Chattanooga Fire Department is not only transitioning leadership but also taking proactive steps to address the operational needs of its firefighting team. With advancements in technology and a focus on safety, the future of the department is aimed at enhancing its effectiveness in serving the community.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Fire Chief Search Narrows
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga Fire Department
- Times Free Press: Mobile Clinic to Replace Soddy Daisy Health
- Google Search: Chattanooga Fire Department
- Fire and Safety Journal: Chattanooga Adds 10 Spartan Pumpers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firefighting
- Chattanoogan: Chattanooga Fire Department Prepares
- Google Scholar: Firefighting Technology
- Local 3 News: Update on Hwy 58 VFD Fundraising
- Google News: Fire Department Recruitment
