Episode 12: Pumper Design with South County Fire

Pierce™ Dispatch Podcast

In this episode, Captain Derek Roberts from South County Fire discusses his 20-year career, focusing on engine operations. He shares about his experience and knowledge with spec’ing pumpers and designing an apparatus well suited for the future. Derek shares insights on the role of data and science in modern firefighting and the importance of understanding life safety when configuring fire apparatus. He details the rigorous process behind their latest pumper build, emphasizing the collaboration between operational teams and mechanics to streamline designs for efficiency and longevity. The episode also explores the department's emphasis on training, consulting external experts and how apparatus build can be catered to the future of firefighting.
Date Aired: 08/02/2024

Featuring: Host Dan Meyer & Captain Derek Roberts
Guests:

• Captain Derek Roberts has served on South County Fire for approximately 20 years. He spent eight of those years focusing on company operations where he gained knowledge and experience spec’ing apparatus for the future. He followed din his grandfather’s footsteps to and became a firefighter when he turned 19 years-old.
• Dan is the Vice President of Sales at Pierce. With extensive experience, he works closely with Pierce's 21 dealers across the US and Canada. He's deeply involved in ensuring that Pierce maintains its status as a premier manufacturer by fostering outstanding dealer relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Apparatus build process
  • Fire apparatus design
  • Ordering process
• South County Fire’s Enforcer™ Pumper
• Pumper
  • Traditional pumper
  • Pumper comparison
  • Pumper overview - Podcast
• Compartments and storage design
• Optimize operations
  • The first five minutes
• Apparatus committee
• Pierce dealer
  • Fire apparatus dealer benefits

Join us as we continue to bring together customers, industry professionals and Pierce experts in future episodes, providing a platform for insightful discussions on the advancements and challenges within the firefighting community.
Whether you’re in the market for the latest in fire apparatus technology, or just passionate about the firefighting community and its evolution, this episode of Pierce™ Dispatch is for you.

For any feedback, questions or to subscribe, visit the Pierce™ Dispatch page.

Kapitler

1. Episode 12: Pumper Design with South County Fire (00:00:00)

2. Captain Derek Roberts (00:00:17)

3. Writing apparatus specs for the future (00:01:54)

4. Apparatus build consulting (00:04:05)

5. South County Fire (00:06:22)

6. Challenges in apparatus build (00:08:23)

7. Design priorities for pumpers (00:12:19)

8. Optimizing engine and truck roles (00:19:24)

9. Shifting repetition to equipment reduction and simplification (00:22:21)

10. Advice for designing a fire apparatus (00:25:09)