Wahpeton Fire Department
Wahpeton, North Dakota

The City of Wahpeton lies on the border with Minnesota divided by the Red River. Along with its sister city of Breckenridge, the area boost a population of over 13,000 who call this beautiful mid-western region home. The fire department is responsible for providing emergency services to a large geographical area and thus required a single vehicle capable of transporting both personnel and all the special equipment for everything from typical rescue to hazardous materials support.

The vehicle of choice was a Hackney heavy rescue with a drop/pinch frame to facilitate a larger storage capacity within the maximum allowed overall length requirements. The Hackney DFC1173R provided 740 cu.ft. of storage in the lower compartments and two roof mounted coffin compartments.

The chassis of choice was a Spartan MetroStar ELFD with 20" raised roof providing seating for eight. The engine is a Cummins ISL, 400 hp. The bumper is extended 28" providing storage and operation of a 9000 lb. portable winch. The center of the bumper hinges down permitting removal of the winch for relocation to the left and right side and rear mounted receivers. Deep-well storage compartments are Located on each side of the winch storage.

The 25KW PTO generator is mounted in the left front compartment protecting it from road salt spray. The second compartment provides 40" deep enclosed storage for cribbing. A 36" deep slide-out tray above the cribbing stores the rescue air bags. A 10" high transverse tunnel at floor level in the first wheelhouse compartment provides storage for long shoring. Additional tunnels are provided at the top of the compartment for two long backboards and stokes basket stretcher. The aft wheelhouse compartment accommodates six 6000 psi DOT air cylinders for the cascade system. The light tower nest down inside the recessed roof.

Drop-down pneumatic step platforms are installed in the #1 and #2 street side and #1 curbside compartment to facilitate easy access to equipment stored in the upper sections of the compartments.  Two (2) 240VAC cord reels with split circuit 120VAC power distribution boxes on the end of the 200-ft 10/4 cord provides remote power for the two tripod flood lights and PPV’s. 900-watt flood lights are located on the upper side body and front of cab. Utility air is provided via a 150-ft hose reel from a low-pressure regulator integrated into the cascade system. All lighting is LED, including recess side wall mounted compartment light strips.