truck_tactics

09/11/2026

09/02/2026

For those in the Western Massachusetts region, we have a few spots left for the open enrollment classes in Palmer or Hadley Massachusetts, September 12 or 13. These classes are taught by us, sponsored by the Western Region Homeland Security Advisory Council

Check the flyer and if you're interested, register here:
https://wrhsac.org/aerial-apparatus-training-2/

Questions? Let me know!

The Western Region Homeland Security Advisory Council (WRHSAC) is hosting two sessions of Aerial Apparatus Positioning Training in May: ...

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

Recently we’ve been asked about our teaching methodology when it comes to outrigger deployment. Since we’ve been teaching out formally (2015) and within our department (since way back from the OG’s), we’ve been true to the following:

▪️Have an understanding of how your aerial device can best support the operations on the fireground, to include your Commander’s intent

▪️Identify the area(s) of greatest need

▪️Position to never short jack on the operating side

▪️Beware of overhead hazards and obstructions, as well as uneven or unknown terrain

▪️Position for maximum effect

⚡With this, it is crucial to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your particular apparatus – midmount, rear mount, aerial, tower, raised cab, single set of outriggers or multiple, etc.

We’ve also stayed consistent with the following set up progression, making allowances for different types of outriggers and manufacturer’s preferences

🔹Deploy both sides of outriggers before raising your vehicle, meaning –

🔹Extend the operating side jacks / beams to full extension

🔹Lower those jacks to the ground pads

🔹Deploy the non-operating side jacks / beams to full extension (short jack as necessary)

🔹Lower those jacks to the ground pads

🔹Further lower the jacks to ensure that the on-ground indicators are illuminated and the apparatus angle indicators show that the apparatus is within safe ranges for slope and grade

💣Be mindful of 📢 NOT TRANSFERRING WEIGHT TO THE SUSPENSION – all forces should be transferred from the outriggers to the torque box

🔹Fine tune as needed

We are big fans of getting tires off the ground. Always have been. This transfers weight off the tires and suspension and out to the torque box – the way the engineers intended

Even back in the day, when it was all the rage to “Just take the bubble 🫧 out of the tires”, we understood the need to not stress the suspension

We constantly stress to our students to load the torque box, not the suspension

❓Any questions ALWAYS REFER TO YOUR MANUFACTURER'S OPERATOR MANUAL

Hopefully that clears everything up for the operators and the Shop guys

08/22/2026

Milford, CT

🚒 Congratulations to the Milford, CT Fire Department on the delivery of their new E-ONE HR 100' Aluminum Quint Ladder Truck!

A special thank you to Chief Waiksnoris, Chief Fabrizi (Ret.), Deputy Chief Rabel, and the entire committee for their commitment to working with Greenwood Emergency Vehicles throughout this project. We also extend our sincere thanks to the Town of Milford, CT, for their continued support.

Thank you for your business, and congratulations on this outstanding new apparatus!
Apparatus Specifications:

• E-ONE Typhoon chassis
• Cummins L9 450 HP engine
• EVS 3000 transmission
• 420-amp Leece Neville alternator
• Hale 1,500 GPM pump
• TPG Class 1 pressure governor
• 470-gallon UPF water tank
• Trident primer
• Advanced Aerial Control System
• 3/16" aluminum/extruded cab
• 100' aluminum ladder
• Whelen warning light package

Click here for more: https://www.greenwoodev.com/milford-ct-e-one-hr100-ladder/

08/22/2026

Greenfield, MA. Sets & Reps!

07/18/2026

We out there!

This morning, firefighters will be training with truck_tactics for their aerial truck tactics course. You may see us around town with our Tower 1, practicing our skills and pre planning some key areas in our district. This type of training is invaluable to help us better serve the people of Bloomfield! Feel free to say hello and as always thank you to our volunteers for taking time out of their morning to become the best firefighters they can be.

06/27/2026

Looking for some insight on positioning your aerial in and around wires? Have a look at our Training Notebook article in this months Fire Engineering magazine! Any questions, let us know!

WHEN AERIAL APPARATUS operators arrive at an emergency scene, they often face numerous hazards and obstacles as they position the apparatus for optimal

06/07/2026

New England folks - take advantage of this excellent training opportunity and support a great cause!