Hello CSFD, this is Josh Winter, Lieutenant/ Driver Coordinator with the Colorado Springs Fire Department Training Division. This presentation will bring attention to a couple more issues that you need to be aware of with our Pierce Engines.
Not only because we are professionals that take full ownership and accountability in all that we done, but also, with are current budgets restraints, it is more important than ever to minimize organizational cost. As Professional Drivers, you have an opportunity to have a positive impact on this every day. It’s the small things that you do, or are awareness of, that can help our budget. By minimizing maintance and repair cost, we can create space in the budget to purchase the great things the you all want and need such as tools and equipment to do all of the cool parts of your job
If you will notice in the picture, there is a plumbing line than is in the perfect spot to act as a step in helping you perform your weekly checks. THIS IS NOT A STEP!
Watching this video, you can see that this is the plumbing line that feeds the front bumper line. Obviously, the bumper line plays a critical role is our tactical priority of life safety to our firefighters operating the line as well as the occupants they are protecting and rescuing.
When you use this as a step, you are damaging connections and fitting that hold this line together. This damage is creating water leaks that can cause a catastrophic failure while pumping this line. The failure of this line would leave the interior crew unprotected during a fire attack. This is also creating additional work for our shop while having a negative impact on our budget. Not using this as a step is a very small thing that you can do to have a positive impact on the organization.
After the last class about angle of approach, another small issue was noticed. I understand that this is a design issue, but having an awareness that damage is occurring, can help you make good decisions on which angles you attempt to take while operating the apparatus.
Looking at the picture on the left, you can see a small line that hangs below the skid plate and the front hooks. This is an air conditioning hose. It is being damaged from the angle of approach issue. As you can see from the picture on the right, the shop has added protections around this line. Even with the protection, by doing your part to minimize angle of approach damage, we can reduce cost to the organization and, keep your crew comfortable in the dog days of summer. I understand that this is a small thing. Having said that, a lot of small things can add up. Be the professional and help minimize these small issue.
Here is what I want to leave you with today. As Driver’s, you do have one of the greatest jobs on the Department. A major reason for this is from the autonomy that you are allowed in your position. A key reason for you having this autonomy is because you are professionals.
Chief Collas touched on this, but it needs to be discussed more. Recently, we have had a significant amount of preventable accidents and incidents. None of us want to be told how to do our jobs, or feel like we are being micro managed. If these preventable incidents continue, the organization will be force to create more rules or oversite. Being a professional in this job means that you take extreme ownership in not only your knowledge, skills, and abilities, but also your equipment and our fire department resources. Remember that we works in teams for a reason. None of us can do this job alone. Use your team to help you do your job like using a spotter when needed. Over the years, we have created a division between ranks. It is time for that to go out the window. Help your medics write reports. Medics, Firefighters, and Officers, help your Drivers perform a circle of safety. Have each others backs and think bigger than just what your job or your role is. Building a better culture of teamwork and shared values is what we have to do.
Thanks for tuning in… I’m Lt. Josh Winter, Driver Coordinator with the Colorado Springs Fire Department Training Division.
