The other Engineers

[Kvfcjr]

In our department, our engineers are incharge of fixing the trucks, and such, not running the pump pannels, every weeek we go over the tools and trucks, make sure every thing is in working order. Are there any other dept.s out there that do this?

[dfdex1]

At the begining of every tour the Engineer/Driver has to do a checklist and test the pump. My adviseors usally sucker me into doing it,but I dont mind cause I know where everything is on the trucks! We a ff that is also a mechanic.

[MalahatTwo7]

For our Dept, the Engineer is more of a Maintenance Scheduler, (I should know, it's ME ) but generally who ever it is that drives the rig in, gets the pump unless otherwise directed by Command. Usually that also makes me the pump op, cuz I normally have the Engine.

Short of changing light bulbs, none of us within the dept are certified mechanics, so we contract out. Sometimes it's not terribly convenient, but at least if something important breaks, we have Liability on our side.

[FlyingKiwi]

BING

Ther is a good idea, check the kit on truck, now why did it take an Explorer to think of that eh. I ask myslef, why didn't we think of it years ago.

[Adze39]

Re: The other Engineers

Originally posted by Kvfcjr
In our department, our engineers are incharge of fixing the trucks, and such, not running the pump pannels, every weeek we go over the tools and trucks, make sure every thing is in working order. Are there any other dept.s out there that do this?

Our engineers do monthly inspections of the rigs and pumps. There is not much that they fix anymore...anything other than a minor fix is sent out now.

Clarification: When you say "we go over the tools and trucks", are you saying "we" as in the FD in general or are you an engineer?

[Guest]

In my department, the officers (Lt. & 2 Foremen) are assigned to a truck and must do monthly checks on them. The monthly check includes, among other things, pumping them. As said above, pretty much short of changing light bulbs, professional truck mechanics do any mechanical work on the truck.

Once a week myself and a few other FFs do a quick visual check on all equipment, lights, SCBAs, etc. Occasionally starting some things up (Saws, generators, etc.)

[hwoods]

Engineers run Trains..........

Or, at least it must sound like that in Firehouse conversations around here. We call them "Technicians", and they Drive the unit, Maintain a scheduled check procedure, Do minor repairs, Facilitate outside vendor's work, Maintain records on Apparatus, and more odd jobs than I can remember. And the ones that I know do all that and do it Very Well. Stay Safe....

[NJFFSA16]

I'll bring an interesting twist to this discussion. As many of you know, my agency is the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. I have a wildland engine assigned to me, which is kept at my home. (My neighbors either love me, or hate me!)

Routine maintenance....checking fluids, battery, fuel, brakes, wipers, belts, hoses, air pressure etc., is my responsibilty. I am required to fill out and sign a monthly maintenance log, which is filed with the supervising mechanic of the division.

Major maintenance, tune ups/repairs are done in our division shops, by our staff mechanics. We also have three, very rugged, mechanic vehicles that can respond to do repairs in the field (or the forest).....off road or on road.

Oh...yes. I also drive & operate the pump.