November 10, 2010

In January, 2010 KME and Fire and Rescue Apparatus of Harrisburg were awarded the privilege of supplying Pennsylvania’s State Fire Academy in Lewistown with new apparatus. Today, the custom pumper and quint tower are now ready for delivery and students will be training on the apparatus next year.

The pumper is built on a KME Panther chassis with 12” raised roof and seating for six. The unit includes an all LED warning light package, 1250gpm pump, and 500 gallon water tank. The rear suction and hosebed are positioned low for safe and easy access. Also, while the pump panel is a top mount configuration, there are gauges on the side panel for visibility by students during training exercises.

The 100’ midmount AerialCat platform is built on a KME Predator chassis with 6” raised roof and 500hp engine. This unit also includes LED warning lights, intercom system, 10kw generator, 1500gpm pump and 300 gallon water tank. The device features a -12 to +80 degree range of elevation, IQAN motion control system, and 3rd platform gate for added safety. The Academy unit also includes two “firsts” for KME. This is the first time KME has installed its “Straight Shot” easy load hosebed on a midmount. This hosebed allows for placement of the hose into the bed while the apparatus is in the station, without having to raise the ladder. In addition, the outrigger controls have been placed in an all new tethered hand held device rather than in a body compartment for maximum visibility of the operator during deployment.

According to Phil Gerace, KME Director of Sales and Marketing, “KME is proud to be a supplier to the Academy and looks forward to supporting them and the thousands of students trained as first responders by the Commonwealth. We’re also pleased to announce that in September 2010, KME has also been awarded a custom pumper for the New York State Academy of Fire Science.  Providing modern, safe, and affordable apparatus to our nation’s fire departments and their training institutions are hallmarks of KME’s commitment to a better fire service.”