When the members of Mulvane Fire Rescue went shopping for a new medium rescue vehicle, they decided they needed something that was going to grow with the department and the community they serve well into the future.
The community of more than 6,300 people, located just 20 minutes from Wichita and 15 minutes from McConnell Air Force Base, is also home to the Kansas Star Casino. That means the city that was founded in 1879 as a railroad/agricultural community more than doubles in population on any given day as “seasonal” people visit the expanding complex.
Mulvane is bracing itself for several years as future plans include high-rise hotels and large expansions to the casino/resort.
That’s why last year the department contracted with Toyne, Inc., a fire apparatus builder in Breda, Iowa, to build the city a new $282,262 rescue truck. The truck was delivered late last fall, months ahead of schedule.
The apparatus, which is built on an International all-wheel drive, four-door cab and chassis, is now in service as the department’s rescue, hazmat and mobile air and lighting rig. The department designed the unit to accommodate additional equipment needs as the community grows.
Rescue 410 responds to injury motor vehicle crashes, assists with emergency medical service calls, specialized rescue incidents, as well as structure fires. Being in “Tornado Alley,” the department is also responsible for storm watch and response if disaster strikes.
One of the unique features on the apparatus is an additional $19,000 Tri-Max 30 compressed air foam system (CAFS) prefabricated by K.C.A.F. Technologies. The system, which is bolted into the passenger side rear compartment, carries 30 gallons of solution to produce up to 600 gallons of finished foam, enough to reduce risk from flammable liquid spills or fire hazards during rescue operations. It is attached to a Hannay reel with 100 feet of one-inch hose.
The department said Toyne salesman Bryan Rosner worked closely with them to build and modify the truck to their request with many suggestions coming from the manufacturer to make the final product more efficient.
The apparatus is powered by an International MaxxForce 9 330-hp engine and an Allison EVS3000 automatic transmission.
The 18-foot aluminum body has 48-inch deep compartments, with the exception of the over axle compartment, which provides space for interchangeable shelves and roll out trays by SlideMaster. All compartments have LED lighting.
Electric power is provided by an Onan 25,000-watt PTO generator with a hot shift and a Fire Research FROG power monitor. It supplies power for a 9,000-watt Will-Burt NightScan light tower, four 1,500-watt Optimum scene lights and a Hannay 120-volt cord reel.
Other equipment includes an ASA camera system, a 14-foot retractable awning for firefighter rehab, a 100-foot Hannay hydraulic reel, an 8,000-pound Ramsey winch with mounts in the front and rear, Whelen warning lights, Hurst Jaws of Life extrication tools, air bags, cribbing and hand tools.
Mulvane is served by three staff officers who are assisted by more than 30 volunteers, eight fire reservists and four resource personnel. The community is proud of its ISO Class 3 rating.
ED BALLAM is the product and industry editor for Firehouse, a captain with the Haverhill Corner, N.H., Fire Department, and a National Registered EMT. He is also a Deputy Forest Fire Warden for the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands. Professionally, he's been a journalist for over 30 years working for a variety of publications, including employment as managing editor of a national fire service trade journal for more than a decade. You can contact him at [email protected].
