A quick update for all that are interested in Lehi FD's recent purchase of a Pierce Engine and Pierce Aerial. Captain Beck, Captain Stanley, Engineer Smith and myself are currently in Appleton going through the acceptance process of our new fleet. I will try and post more pics as the trip goes along. Please excuse my photography, I am terrible.
Day One:
We arrived 7 hours late into Appleton due to mechanical problems with the airplane and were forced to get other flights which resulted in the delay. We arrived at the Pierce plant at about 930 pm and were able to check them out a bit.
Day Two:
Started the day early at the "41 plant" where are apparatus is located. Jeff had not been here before so we spent the first half of the day orienting Jeff with the place and the plant. The second half of the day we began our acceptance check off on Engine 81. Our last hour we took Engine 81 and Tower 82 for a test drive and it was amazing! Nice to FEEL the fruits our labor......this has been nearly a 1 1/2 year process. The Engine drove like a Cadilac, seriously! The Tak-4 suspension is nothing short of amazing. We would go over large bumps without feeling anything. The Caterpillar C-13 engine has a rediculous amount of horse power and torgue....powers Engine 81 nearly too well. Might be dangerous that there is so much get-up-and-go. Tower 81 has an identical drive train setup to Engine 81, but weighs nearly 25 thousand pounds more. It too powers it extremely well......I am excited. We ended the day off with a trip to the hook and ladder (firefighter bar) and dinner at Victorias in downtown Appleton. Good first day of work...
