By Bob Vaccaro
Originally formed in 1890, the Blue Point Fire District used hand drawn then motorized in its first years of existence. Through the years the equipment has changed but not the dedication of its members to protecting lives and property.
The Blue Point Fire District is in the Town of Brookhaven on Suffolk County’s south shore. The district covers 2.7 square miles and serves 4,700 residents.
Apparatus replacement is usually around the 20–25-year mark, according to former Captain and truck committee member Todd Furchert. “It is usually based on price, maintenance and if there are any problems with the apparatus we are looking to replace,” he said.
The fire district started the process to replace its current aerial in 2020. The department wanted more reach because the response area consists of schools and older buildings with long driveways and setbacks.
“Our older quint was a 77-footer, which really didn’t work for us anymore,” Furchert said. “Height restriction was also a concern for us since we have a Long Island Railroad underpass that goes through our main thoroughfare.”
Blue Point went through the HGAC program, which made procurement easier and faster by not having to go through the bidding process. “We chose Pierce since we were a previous customer several times in the past. Our committee liked everything about Pierce including its excellent service after the sale which was important for us.
“We decided not to go with another quint, which didn’t really work for us in the past. We spec-ed out a 105-foot ladder which gave us 23 more feet in reach. The Arrow XT cab was also bigger and gave us an open concept in which the officer can speak to our firefighters in the rear without any restrictions.
“The body gives us about 1.5 percent more compartmentation, where our older ladder was maxed out. This new apparatus gives us room to grow if we needed to add equipment in the future. Presently we carry the normal truck company tools, and also battery and hydraulic extrication tools.
“Even though we went for a tandem axle this time around, the truck maneuvers really well all over town and is really impressive in handling.
“Our committee traveled to Pierce’s Appleton, Wisconsin plant for final inspection. They were really impressed with Pierce’s operation and its employees who handled all of our questions and concerns during the visit.”
The Blue Point FD planned really well for this apparatus purchase, covering all the bases, reach, maneuverability, open interior cab concept, ease of operation, and more compartment space. This new ladder truck will serve their community well into the future.
- Pierce Arrow XT Cab and Chassis , HD Ladder 105’, Aluminum Body
- Notched roof
- Wheelbase 245.5
- GVW 67,000
- Front Axle, Dana 21,500
- Rear Axle, Meritor 48,000
- Jake Engine Brake
- Cummins X12 455hp
- Allison EVS 4000 transmission
- Pierce Command Zone Electronics
- HiViz Scene lighting
- Whelen LED Emergency Lighting Package
BOB VACCARO has more than 40 years of fire service experience. He is a former chief of the Deer Park (NY) Fire Department. Vaccaro has also worked for the Insurance Services Office, the New York Fire Patrol, and several major commercial insurance companies as a senior loss-control consultant. He is a life member of the IAFC.
