The Detroit Fire Department has officially reached Darley Demander status, setting the pace for departments making the switch to Darley pumps. The DFD worked with Darley to provide small 1.5AG PTO driven pumps for emergency suppression capabilities on their aerial trucks and rescue squads.
The past few years, the department has equipped 17 fire apparatus with these PTO pumps provided by Darley OEM partners HME and Smeal. While these apparatus and their crews’ primary responsibilities are not direct suppression, Deputy Fire Commissioner Dave Fornell and the Detroit team had seen too many instances where an extinguisher wouldn’t cut it.
One of these rigs was first on scene of an MVA or small room and contents fire and, “We were able to knock down the fire before the arrival engine companies,” commented Fornell.
It didn’t stop there. While integrating these apparatus, the Detroit team was also looking to update and improve their fleet’s pumpers. The DFD’s teams of divisional stakeholders in Maintenance, Training and Operations spent significant time researching pump manufacturers. After many discussions, the decision was made to move forward with the Darley PSM. In March, Detroit awarded a five-year contract to Spartan for 35 pumpers equipped with the Darley PSM, through Spartan Dealer and Darley partner Ricke Roselle, of R&R Firetrucks. The first six of these pumpers are scheduled for delivery this Fall.
To top it off, the department will also be taking delivery of a fire boat equipped with a Darley PSDE provided by Darley OEM partner Silver Ships. These boats contain a number of FBX products. Talk about making the switch! Darley couldn’t be more proud of our partnership with the Detroit FD as we continue to welcome new customers and enhance and strengthen our relationships with longtime customers.
