The rig, which serves both the village and town of Manlius and the nearby town of Pompey, is equipped with a Code 3 emergency lighting package and electronic and mechanical sirens. This mix brought plenty of ideas to brainstorming sessions and contributed to the rig's uniqueness. The rig handles any kind of fire and rescue call, but fire suppression topped the committee's wish list. Their wish came true with the aerial ladder and CAFS that can turn water into 3,000 gallons of extinguishing agent. In rural areas, that's a heavy knockdown.
Instant extrication is available by flipping one switch and walking off with the tool of choice.
It works with equal effectiveness in town. Last fall, a month after the quint rolled in, fire struck a Manlius home. The driver activated the pump, and the operator laddered the building in a tight area. The quint proved its worth that day, getting close enough to allow firefighters to quell the blaze roaring through a pair of rooms and an attic space in 15 minutes. Manlius firefighters, particularly the ventilation crew, were delighted with the truck, says Ginocchetti.