New fire truck for DI's Station 18

Easter may be just around the corner, but for the firefighters at Station 18 on Daniel Island, it feels like Christmas! They just “unwrapped” a shiny new (2016) 100-foot long Pierce Arrow XT Arial Tiller. A fire-fighters dream, the new Ladder 101 will replace the old Sutphen Straight Frame Aerial Ladder which will become part of the reserve fleet.

Engineer Matt Thomson, from Ladder 4 in downtown Charleston, was on-hand last weekend during a dedication ceremony at Station 18 for the new aerial tiller truck to help train firefighters in the use of the vehicle - and to answer questions from curious residents. Engineer Thomson pointed out that the truck, with its built in turntable landed mounted on the back of the chassis, has a critical benefit of being able to pivot and maneuver around the island’s many tight corners and get to fires fast! The old straight frame often required some backing up and re-maneuvering, using up precious seconds in a fight against fire. The “tiller” in the rear of the truck, essentially an additional steering mechanism, supports the directional movement of the truck.

Ladder 101 features a telescopic 249-ft ground ladder with a pre-piped waterway, allowing for elevated streams of spray. The truck is also specially outfitted with a 1500 gallon per minute pump and 200 gallon water tank to enable firefighters to start tackling a fire immediately. It has plenty of safety equipment to protect first responders including Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), flotation devices and imaging cameras.

The extra long 100’ feet of truck means extra space for necessary equipment. In addition to attacking fires, firefighters are also responsible for a number of rescue operations that often involve extricating passengers from collapsed buildings or from cars after vehicular accidents. The firefighters at Daniel Island’s Station 18 are at the ready with a complete set of Hurst Extrication equipment, Res-Q-Jacks, cribbing, airbags, rope gear, torches, vent and chain saws.

At the dedication ceremony on March 26 were current Charleston Fire Chief Karen Brack, who will soon be departing the post after five years of service at the helm of the department, John Tippett, Deputy Chief of Operations, who will be taking over for Chief Brack, Chaplain Robbie Robinson, Mayor John Tecklenburg, Daniel Island Neighborhood Association President Clyde Rush and dozens of firefighters.

Chief Brack pointed out another benefit of the new truck: “Firefighters are problem solvers. They are coming up with solutions, often in a matter of seconds, to save people’s lives. This truck, with all its extra equipment, will help them to solve problems in brand new ways!”

Mayor Tecklenburg prefaced his dedication speech with a rhetorical question that aptly described the new addition to Firehouse 18: “Isn’t it beautiful?!”

He continued, pointing out that: “...at cost of over one million dollars, we now have the best of the best equipment for the best of the best fire department in the United States. Ladder 101 is an incredible investment by the City of Charleston and shows a commitment to not only keeping its citizens safe but enhancing their quality of life in such a growing and vibrant part of our city.” The Mayor concluded by thanking the fire department for their hard work and for putting their lives on the line for the community.

“This new truck is fantastic!” added DINA President Clyde Rush. “It’s a great addition that will enable our fire department to do their job in our community even more efficiently and effectively. It’s what the City of Charleston brings to the community. We are very fortunate to have all this right here on Daniel Island.”

TIPPETT NAMED INTERIM CHIEF

Deputy Chief John Tippett has been named Interim Fire Chief for the City of Charleston, effective April 7, 2017. Tippet will assume the duties of current Chief Karen Brack, who recently announced her resignation. Mayor John Tecklenburg said he looks forward to naming a permanent chief in the weeks ahead.

“I am certain that Chief Tippet has the experience and leadership skills required to successfully lead the Charleston Fire Department,” stated Tecklenburg, in a press release. “…He has served in the Charleston Fire Department as Deputy Chief of Operations for the last eight years. Prior to that, Chief Tippett began his career in the fire service in Montgomery County, Maryland, where he rose through the ranks from Firefighter to Battalion Chief over the course of 35 years.”

Mayor Tecklenburg also noted that Tippett has extensive leadership experience in both fire safety and operations. Tippett also served as project manager for the International Association of Fire Chiefs for 11 years, focusing primarily on firefighter health and safety issues. In addition, he is certified as a Chief Fire Officer by the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Health and Safety Officer by the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, Instructor II by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress and National Registry Emergency Medical Technician-Basic. He finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science and earned his Master’s Degree in Emergency Services Management while maintaining his responsibilities as operations chief.