News & Features
April 2006

BFD must get with the times
By Peter Martell, Chief
Brookfield Fire Department

When it was new, our 1971 fire truck could have been considered state of the art. Back then an open cab, firefighters riding on the back step, a gasoline engine, and a standard transmission were the norm. Like so many things from that time, those days are gone. The gasoline engines of those days are inefficient and lack the power needed for today’s fire service needs. In addition, when the vast majority of fire trucks out there are diesel, refueling a gas truck at an emergency scene becomes somewhat of a dilemma. The open cab and back step are no longer considered acceptable by anyone’s standards; simply put, they are unsafe. This falls under the same change that doesn't allow people to ride in the back of pickups anymore.
Beyond the antiquity of the 1971, it's just a matter of time. The Brookfield Fire Department recently sent out its 1983 for pump repair. Take note that this truck is 12 years younger. These repairs took almost three months. The heritage of the 1971 is gone by, the truck manufacturer, the engine manufacturer, and the transmission manufacturer have all gone out of business years ago. We routinely need to drain the water from the tank to keep rust from damaging the pump, hoses and nozzles — items that are needed to deliver water to a fire. When this water is drained, the entire thousand gallons comes out heavily rust tinged. In addition the pump is only two thirds to eighty percent the size we need to supply the modern hose we carry. Fire trucks are supposed to be tested every year - The company that does our testing has told us that if we were to subject the 1971 to such testing, we could destroy the pump, the transmission, the engine, or even all three. These tests aren't meant to overtax these machines, they are just meant to simulate real needs.

That is just what is gained by replacing the 1971 as a pumper. The Brookfield Fire Department also responds to car accidents. We are forced to carry the necessary rescue equipment on two separate trucks. This makes for an inefficient and time-consuming response to car accidents. Rescue equipment has been stored in compartments all over both trucks. Neither of these trucks and none of these compartments were designed for these uses.

The purchase of the used truck in 2000, a 1987 bought us some time, but that truck actually replaced a 1955.
The 1971 truck has served this town well and owes us nothing. Many of us will miss driving it in local parades, and we cherish the memories of our many colleagues that proudly went before us protecting our town with that truck. But none of us will miss the bitter cold and wind in the open cab, the concern we now feel hoping it will even start, and the fear we feel, as we operate it, praying that this isn't the call that the old 1971 Maxim finally gives out.

The Brookfield Fire Department, like most call/volunteer fire departments, is one of the most cost-efficient operations a town has. All we ask, all we have ever asked, is for the tools we need to protect our town.

Thank you.