The Birth of E-One

Ocala, Florida, 1974, E-One commenced on a mission to craft superior fire rescue vehicles. E-One, short for Emergency One, quickly distinguished itself by adopting aluminum for fire truck bodies, a revolutionary move that promised durability, corrosion resistance, and lighter weight, ensuring quicker response times and longer service life.

A Legacy of Innovation

E-One’s journey is marked by continuous innovation. They were pioneers in integrating advanced safety features, such as crew cab protections and electrical system enhancements, setting new industry standards. Their commitment to technological advancement and quality craftsmanship propelled E-One to the forefront of the fire truck manufacturing industry, both in the United States and internationally.

E-One Goes Global

The excellence of E-One fire trucks wasn’t confined to American soil. These vehicles have made their mark worldwide, serving in diverse environments and meeting the unique needs of international firefighting teams. This global footprint is a testament to E-One’s adaptability and the universal appeal of their quality and innovation.

Beyond Fire Trucks

E-One’s understanding of the multifaceted needs of emergency services has lead to a broad array of products, including tankers, rescue units, aerial apparatus and more.

The Market for Used E-One Fire Trucks

As E-One fire trucks are known for their durability and longevity, there’s a active market for used E-One models. These vehicles offer a cost-effective solution for smaller departments or communities with limited budgets, without compromising on quality or performance. Purchasing a used E-One fire truck can be an excellent investment, providing access to high-quality equipment that has been tested by time and service.

Why Choose a Used E-One?

Opting for a used E-One fire truck isn’t just about cost savings; it’s about getting a vehicle known for reliability and efficiency. These trucks, with their robust construction and advanced features, continue to serve beyond their initial years, making them a smart choice for those looking to expand their fleet without the hefty price tag of a brand-new model.

The E-One Legacy Lives On

E-One’s story is about a commitment to safety, innovation, and serving the brave men and women of the fire service. The legacy of E-One is carried on not just in the new trucks rolling off the assembly line but also in the used models that continue to serve our communities

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We all know Disney’s darling pups in the 101 Dalmatians, but this beautiful breed isn’t just a cute cartoon. Many would also recognize them as the heroic mascot of firehouses across North America and England. Here is the history of how they came to be known as the duty-driven protectors of fire departments across the years. 

Starting in the 17th century due to their fierce and loyal personalities, muscular long legs, a high capacity for strenuous activity, and great memory, Dalmatians were considered the perfect companion for horse-drawn carriages or coaches. 

It was not uncommon for horse-drawn carriages to be subject to high volumes of theft, therefore, as a means of protection of the goods as well as the people (especially ladies of high distinction), Dalmatians were chosen to run alongside the carriage in twos to deter outside assailants, earning them a reputation as the “Ladies Dog” or the “English Coach Dogs”. Thus, Dalmatians became a society dog, not only praised for their fierce loyalty but also for their air of sophistication that came with their striped coats. 

Dalmatians are not only companions for humans. In actuality, they have a long-standing history with horses.

When the fire service introduced the horse-drawn pumper, firefighters discovered that Dalmatians had a calming effect on horses, making them perfect for the job. When horses were scared of the flames, the Dalmatians were there to coax their equestrian counterparts to move the wagon closer to the blaze. Their history of valiant protectors was not wasted in the fire brigades, if anything, it gave these dogs a new purpose.

In the early 1900s, when fire departments across town were called for action, it was only the team who arrived first, hooked up to the water system, and controlled the flames that were paid for their work. So just as carriages in the past were subject to petty theft, the competition between firehouses created reasons to protect fire equipment whilst the firefighters did their jobs. 

When a fire bell rang, the Dalmatians would bark to sound the alarm, raise the horse’s awareness and run ahead of the engine to clear the way on the roads for the fire vehicle. As horses are inherently frightened of fires, the calming effect of Dalmatians allowed for fire teams to station closer to the scene and reach crucial access points. 

When motorized vehicles were introduced into the modern world at the start of the 20th century, it could be assumed that the use for Dalmatians diminished alongside their presence in the firehouse. Yet that is not the case.

Dalmatians remain the heroic faces of fire departments across America and became irreplaceable companions for firefighters. A famous example of such a dog is a Dalmatian named Twenty after her home station Station 20 in New York City. She was gifted to the station after the heartbreaking 9/11 incident as a support animal for the firefighters who lost seven of their own in the disaster. Reports say that her presence kept that firehouse alive, and upon her passing, the chief reported over Twitter: 

“The house will never be the same”.

Regardless of their roles in the firehouse, it seems that Dalmatians will always carry special weight within past and contemporary firefighting. 

See part two for more special firehouse hounds. 

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The Vital Role of Grants in Fire Department Funding

Grants serve as a critical lifeline, enabling fire departments to enhance their operational efficiency and community safety protocols without overburdening local taxpayers. These funds are instrumental in acquiring essential equipment, including used fire trucks for sale, which might otherwise be unaffordable. By tapping into various grant sources, departments can secure preowned fire apparatus that are not only cost-effective but also vital for maintaining robust emergency response capabilities.

Navigating the Market for Used Fire Trucks

The market for used fire trucks offers a plethora of options for departments looking to expand or upgrade their fleets. From ladder trucks and pumpers to rescue units and tankers, the variety of preowned fire apparatus available can meet diverse operational needs. However, finding the right fire trucks for sale requires a keen understanding of both the department’s specific requirements and the funding opportunities that can make such acquisitions feasible.

Key Sources of Grants for Fire Departments

Federal Grants

• Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG): This FEMA-administered program is a go-to source for fire departments aiming to procure firefighting equipment, including used fire trucks. AFG grants focus on enhancing the safety of both the public and firefighters through improved equipment and resources.
• Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants: While primarily aimed at staffing, SAFER grants also support the operational capabilities of fire departments, indirectly facilitating the acquisition of necessary equipment like preowned fire apparatus.
• Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grants: Part of the AFG program, FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations.

State and Local Initiatives

State and local grant programs often provide more accessible funding opportunities for fire departments. These grants can be particularly useful for smaller departments looking to purchase used fire trucks for sale within their limited budgets.

Private and Corporate Grants

Various foundations and corporations offer grants targeting the specific needs of fire and emergency services. These grants can be an excellent source of funding for departments looking to invest in preowned fire apparatus, especially when the grants are aimed at enhancing community safety and emergency preparedness.

Crafting a Winning Grant Proposal for a Used Fire Truck

Securing a grant for a used fire truck requires a well-crafted proposal that highlights the essential role the vehicle will play in improving the department’s operational effectiveness and community safety. Key strategies include:

• Aligning with Grant Objectives: Ensure your proposal demonstrates how the used fire truck will meet the grantor’s goals, such as enhancing public safety or improving emergency response capabilities.
• Detailing the Need: Clearly articulate why your department needs the preowned fire apparatus, including how it will be used and the benefits it will bring to your community.
• Demonstrating Fiscal Responsibility: Emphasize the cost-effectiveness of purchasing a used fire truck, showcasing your department’s commitment to responsible financial stewardship.
• Providing Evidence of Impact: Use data and case studies to illustrate how the addition of a used fire truck will tangibly improve your department’s response times, firefighting capabilities, and overall community safety.

Useful Resources

Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG)

Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants

Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grants

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Fire trucks are crucial assets in firefighting and disaster management. When it comes to understanding their capabilities, a common question arises: “How much water does a fire truck hold?” Today, we’ll unravel the mysteries of fire trucks, exploring their water-carrying capacities, the different types, and their indispensable role in firefighting operations.

Understanding the Basics:

The water-holding capacity of a fire truck varies based on its type and purpose. While most fire trucks have the capability of carrying water, when it comes to carrying large volumes, there are three main categories: pumper trucks, tanker trucks and a combination of both, known as a pumper-tanker.

1. Pumper Trucks: Pumper trucks, or fire engines, are equipped with pumps and draw water from hydrants. Their water tank capacity ranges from 500 to 1,000 gallons. Pumper trucks ensure a continuous and pressurized water supply for firefighting.

2. Tanker Trucks: Tanker trucks, or water tenders, transport and supply large volumes of water, with capacities often exceeding 3,000 gallons. These trucks are vital in rural firefighting, where access to municipal water may be limited.

3. Pumper-Tankers: A pumper-tanker combines the best of both worlds, offering a truck that can, is some cases, hold upwards of 3000 gallons and is equipped with a pump to get the water where it needs to go.

Factors Influencing Water Capacity:

Several factors influence a fire truck’s water-holding capacity:

1. Type of truck: Trucks with specific purposes, such as aerial ladder trucks or wildland firefighting vehicles, will often have smaller water tanks ranging from 200 to 500 gallons.
2. Setting: Urban trucks rely on hydrants, while rural areas may require tanker trucks with substantial water tanks.
3. Budget: The fire department’s budget impacts the type and size of fire trucks, affecting water capacity.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a fire truck’s water capacity depends on its type, size, and intended use. Whether it’s a pumper truck ensuring a continuous water supply in urban areas or a tanker truck delivering water to remote locations, these vehicles are essential for community safety. The next time you witness a fire truck in action, you’ll appreciate the critical role its water capacity plays in firefighting and safeguarding lives. For more insights on fire truck capabilities and emergency preparedness, keep exploring our informative content.

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By Emma Campbell

A colorful history of why fire trucks have been painted red since the 1900s; uncover the benefits of color choice and why red is right for your rig.

Even though today’s rigs vary in colors such as yellow, white, green, and even purple; If you asked someone on the street what color fire trucks are, they would say red.

The question is, why?

Red, a History

In the early 1900s, when Henry Ford launched the Model T automobile, he famously quoted:

“Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants, so long as it is black.” This set the trend for roads to have mostly black cars on them.

To be distinguishable from the average road user, firehouses across the Country painted their apparatuses red to maximize visibility.

In this way, the color red ensured the safety and conspicuity of firefighters and the fire trucks they were responding in.

Today, however, cars come in all colors, and fire trucks are additionally equipped with sirens, lights, and retroreflective markings to signal road users that they are responding to or returning from an emergency.

So why is it that more than a hundred years later, we still predominantly associate red with fire trucks?

The Ergonomics of Color

Much research surrounding color choice for emergency vehicles is based on psychological studies examining human visual perception. Studies have shown that the color-transmitting cones in human eyes in dim lighting are more responsive to certain colors over others.

Extensive research has been conducted on the color lime-green versus red in dim lighting, concluding that lime-colored vehicles are more immediately apparent to the human eye than red.

This information is vital to consider in congruence with the rate of accident involvement with emergency vehicles that, according to the 2009 FEMA report, are the second largest leading cause of firefighter deaths.

This information became evident from a 4 year study conducted by New York optometrist Stephen S. Solomon and James G. King’s where they found that red is not the most visible color.

In fact, according to Solomon, “risk visibility-related, multiple vehicle accidents may also be as much as three times greater for red and red/white fire trucks compared to yellow/ white and yellow-lime trucks.”

In response, departments across the United States during the ’70s and 80’s began painting their vehicles lime/green instead of the traditional red.

Does Colour Matter?

Fundamentally, it all comes down to visibility and conspicuity.

The 2009 USFA Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity study concluded that the most important factor of an apparatus is that other road users can recognize fire trucks for what they are: emergency vehicles that hold the right of way.

So what is the right color for your rig?

Any color is acceptable so long as other road users can identify other cues such as sirens and retroreflective markings as belonging to emergency vehicles.

Fire-truck red may very well hold its place in popular culture for the foreseeable future. The fire service and the fire trucks they respond in are steeped in tradition that dates back over 100 years of helping others in trouble. The red colored fire truck is still a big part of what makes fire fighting such a great tradition and vocation.

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