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Absolute Rescue kicks off its inaugural Rescue Rigs section with Colorado Springs’ Rescue 17 — placed in service on January 16th at a ceremony that also included the swearing in of a special new honorary firefighter.

Rescue 17 responds citywide to all technical rescues and working fires serving a population of 500,000 citizens. Staffed with a crew of four and supplemented by Engine Co 17 when needed for an additional crew of 4four Rescue Firefighters.

“Placing this new apparatus in service is an investment in the safety of the community. The truck exemplifies the quality and excellence that our World Class Fire Department strives to achieve,” said Fire Chief Christopher P. Riley.

Honorary Firefighter Caden T. Rose

Honorary Firefighter Caden T. Rose

At the ceremony, the Fire Chief and Mayor swore in 5-year-old Caden T. Rose as an honorary firefighter (see video below). Caden has a rare form of liver cancer and Station 17 has become one of his favorite hangouts. The crew has taken him under their win and presented him with his own custom set of bunker gear with his name and the company embroidered on it.

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Official CSFD Statement

Fire Chief Riley and the Firefighters from Station 17 were honored to bring some joy to a young boy who is battling cancer. Diagnosed with Tyrosinemia Type 1 at 15 months of age, confirmed liver cancer at 16 months, a liver transplant just shy of his 18 month birthday, he has been recovering from acute liver rejection since August 2014. Caden is immunosuppressed, so his interaction with others is limited. The time spent at the fire stations are what makes his days so special.

The Firefighters from Station 17 and 21 enjoy the time they spend with Caden. Caden has been obsessed with the Fire Service, he reads about, studies, and emulates Firefighters every chance he gets. When Caden is feeling up to it his Mom or Dad brings him to Station 17 or 21 for some training, foosball and “Firemans Coffee” (kool-aid). Caden enjoys showing us all how to roll hose, use an axe, and tie knots.

“Caden is an example of many of the characteristics we look for in a Firefighter; Determination, Perseverance, Dedication, Strength of Heart,” said Fire Chief Riley. “Today I am proud as the Fire Chief to present to Caden the title of Honorary Colorado Springs Firefighter”.

More About Colorado Springs Fire: Web Site | Facebook | Twitter

Mike Smith, Absolute Rescue's Editor in Chief, is a veteran of the fire/rescue service in Michigan, who also works in the automotive industry as a designer. Have an idea of suggestion for the site? Contact Mike here

Rescue Rigs

North Charleston Fire Department’s Heavy Rescue

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Heavy Rescue

North Charleston Fire Department’s WalkInHDR is prepared for all types of rescue. The apparatus features anchoring points on each side for technical rescues and has a winch on the front bumper. Inside the body, they selected a smooth aluminum-style wall. This rescue is prepared for technical rope rescue, structure collapse, confined space, and man-in-machine calls. 
Overall Height: 10’ 11”
Overall Length: 35’ 5.25”

Below are links to more information about this heavy rescue:

Make sure you check out the Bumper to Bumper Extrication: Extrication from Inside the Auto Industry Book

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Rescue Rigs

Elkhart Fire Department Heavy Rescue

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Elkhart Fire Department Heavy Rescue

When spec’ing its new Heavy Rescue, Elkhart Fire Department chose a 26′ aluminum SVI body mounted on a Sutphen Monarch chassis, which houses an X12 Cummins engine and Allison 4000 6-speed transmission. This Heavy Rescue apparatus comes with a 750 GPM Hale MBP75-29 Pump Station, a 70″ x 60″ Swing-Out Tool Board, KL Slim Light Tower, and much more.

Below are links to more information about this heavy rescue:

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Rescue Rigs

James City County Fire Department Heavy Rescue

Check out this heavy rescue on the Pierce Blue Floor for its final inspection.

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James City County Fire Department Heavy Rescue

Below is more information about this heavy rescue:

  • Manufacturer: Pierce
  • Make/Model: Velocity
  • Body: Heavy Duty Walk-In Rescue
  • Engine: Cummins L9 450 HP
  • Axle: Front: Oshkosh TAK-4 22,800 LB | Rear: Dana 27,000 LB
  • Dealer: Atlantic Emergency Solutions

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