JFRD Engine Company Engineer Guide

• The document provides information for Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Engine Company Engineers.
• The document covers topics from maintenance to tactical considerations at incident scenes.
• The document's seventh edition was revised November 27, 2024.
• The copyright is held by JFRD (Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department) and was established in 2015.
• Reproduction of the work requires written permission from JFRD.
• Contact 904-997-4920 for JFRD Training Division.
• Contact 904-255-3280 for JFRD Headquarters.

Historical Information

• Jacksonville’s second volunteer company, The Mechanics Steam Engine Company, formed January 2nd, 1870.
• The Mechanics Steam Engine Company purchased Florida’s first steam engine.
• The first steam engine could throw a stream of water 200 feet at 250 gallons per minute.
• The Mechanics firehouse was on Adams Street between Main and Laura Streets.
• JFRD's Fire Chief Miles R. Bowers wrote a training book adopted by the Florida State Fire College, influencing statewide training.

Preventive Maintenance

• Fire and Rescue apparatus must be continuously maintained ready to respond and protect the crew.
• Crucial inspections and preventive maintenance is required for apparatus readiness.
• All company members should assist in care, cleaning, and upkeep as assigned.
• A daily inspection must be performed at the beginning of each shift
• Record each discrepancy in the Daily Apparatus Check Off, located in the JFRD Portal under Tactical Support tab, then Daily Apparatus Management.
• Report safety/operational concerns with an appropriate logbook entry and notify the company officer immediately
• Check the status of equipment used during the shift and returned to full operational status ASAP.
• Contact the Tactical Support Facility (TSF) for maintenance related issues.
• Report any JFRD equipment that has been lost, found, stolen, or damaged immediately report to the company officer.
• Diesel exhaust is carcinogenic; all measures to avoid exposure must be taken according to NFPA and NIOSH.

Daily Engine Inspection

• Conduct a brief conference with the off-going engineer.
• Ensure proper fluid levels including motor oil, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).
• Record any added fluids on Daily Apparatus Report.
• The engineer is the ONLY person allowed to place fluids into their respective units and the company officer must verify that the proper fluids are being added.
• Improper placement of fluids into the apparatus has caused damage, costly repairs, and could cause the apparatus to malfunction on an emergency scene putting people at risk.
• All fluids must be installed with the proper type and grade.
• Contact TSF with fluid questions.
• Booster tanks and foam tank levels must be checked by visual observation and compared to gauges for accuracy
• Ensure air brake pressure is above 100 PSI for both front and rear, and ensure they operate properly.
• Check tires and wheels for tire pressure, lug nuts, axle seals, and tread depth.
• Minimum tire tread depth is 4/32" or when tread wear indicators are even with the tire tread.
• Ensure all seat belts operate and adjust properly.
• Ensure wipers operate properly.
• With the motor running check all running lights (including brake and backup lights), visual and audible warning devices, and scene lighting.
• Once the motor is started, it must run until it reaches normal operating temperature.
• Verify normal readings on all cab-mounted gauges.

Pump Inspection

• Verify pressure on the master discharge gauge with the pump engaged and TANK-TO-PUMP valve open.
• Operate primer until water is discharged.
• Ensure proper operation of the governor in both PSI and RPM modes.
• Ensure proper operation of the transfer valve if the unit is equipped.
• Discharge water from at least one discharge opening.
• Open and close each 5" intake valve then remove the cap to drain.
• Disengage the pump and then open/close each manual valve smoothly.
• Open and close all bleeders.
• Open the PUMP DRAIN valve briefly to flush sediment from the pump's lowest level.
• Tilt the cab and inspect all drive belts for tightness and wear.
• Check batteries for leaks and tight connections, securing loose cab equipment before tilting.
• Never place any part of the body under the cab while raising or lowering; when fully open, ensure the cab tilt lock is in place.
• Do not lower the cab and allow it to rest on the strut, as this places undue stress on the strut assembly.
• View the underside of the engine for pump or tank leaks, checking motor, transmission, pump transfer case, and drivetrain for fluid leaks.
• Set air brakes and not climb under apparatus while motor is running.
• Sweep dirt and debris from the cab and wipe down surfaces as needed.
• Inspect apparatus exterior, noting any new body damage.

Daily Equipment Inspection

• Defibrillator batteries should be changed, and proper operation ensured, along with immediate access to associated equipment.
• Portable oxygen tank pressure should be greater than 1000 PSI, and oxygen delivery adjuncts must be properly stocked.
• Medical jump bag and other EMS equipment (backboard, c-collars, ALS equipment) must be fully stocked and ready for immediate use.
• Connect air chisel to air bottle and ensure proper operation with bottle pressure above 4000 PSI, avoiding triggering unless the chisel head is in contact with a solid material.
• Inspect SCBA and spare bottle in accordance with SOG 421.
• Pre-connected hoselines and supply hose shall be stacked properly, nozzles properly set and free of debris.
• Verify compartment door operation and ensure ready equipment is in place.
• Chainsaw chains should be sharp and adjusted, fuel and oil levels full, and verified operation with motor oil used for the bar lubricant.
• Ensure each portable radio has a fully charged battery.
• Ensure proper operation of eDRAULIC tools, if equipped, and store hydraulic spreaders with a ½” gap between the tips.
• Check oil and coolant levels of the generator, if equipped, and run until fully warmed up (approximately 5 minutes).
• Shut off fuel supply to portable gas motors and run until the motor stalls to clear fuel lines and prevent damage from gasoline additives.
• Maintain an adequate supply of gasoline and gas/oil mix, adding fuel stabilizer to newly acquired gas and rotating older gas for lawn equipment use.

Weekly Inspection and Maintenance

• Monday, a thorough inspection is performed in addition to the daily inspection.
• Use judgment to maintain engine and pump, with the company captain establishing a maintenance schedule.
• The apparatus cab shall be cleaned thoroughly, ensure all maps, books and keys are accounted for.
• Wipe down interior surfaces, and glass and mirrors.
• Clean the thermal imaging camera and verify proper charging.
• Clean the exterior of the apparatus and apply wax monthly or in accordance with the schedule.
• all compartments shall be emptied and the shelves should be cleaned.
• To clean roll-up door tracks remove dirt and old lubricant, and apply silicone spray to apply light oil to both sides of the door hinges.
• Operate the door several times and remove excess oil.
• Remove each pump cap, elbow and wye, and clean all threads on the pump appliance and apply grease as needed.
• Inspect the gaskets and replace if necessary along with the ensuring strainers are present in 2-½” intakes.
• Operate all pump valves while noting resistance or improper operation and clean or lubricate will needed.
• Remove and clean the intake valve, inspect internal casing for rust or sediment build-up, operation of the valve.
• To clean and lubricate the Storz connection gasket, use internal threads and bleeder valve.
• If the Swivel don't move freely, apply soapy water.

Weekly Equipment Checks

• Clean and lubricate all hand tools and moving parts, check axe heads for tightness, and inspect handles for damage.
• Use soap and water to clean then dry thoroughly.
• Apply light oil to steel surfaces and moving parts, and linseed oil to wood handles as needed.
• Clean ladders with soapy water and manipulate all moving parts.
• Inspect heat indicators for discoloration and physical damage.
• Sparingly lubricate roof hooks with light oil and rinse dirt/debris from ladder compartments.
• Clean nozzles with soapy water and a soft brush, immersing in warm soapy water and operating all moving parts, avoiding lubricants.
• Exercise hard suction hose couplings and apply warm soapy water to rotate swivels if frozen or stiff, cleaning debris from hard suction hose compartments.
• Thoroughly inspect and clean chainsaws, inspect, remove, and clean the air filter if indicated, as well as the chain assembly and chain drive.
• Remove debris from hard-to-reach areas with air pressure, reinstall chain with proper tension.
• Clean air tools with soapy water and dry thoroughly, lubricating each blade with light oil and applying 5 drops of air tool oil into the blade end and operate.
• Charge batteries on all battery-powered tools, ensure all bits and blades are accounted for, and operate each piece of equipment.
• Inspect SCBA buddy breathing hoses, ensure quick-connect couplings are free of debris, and clean SCBA backpacks as needed.
• Check hydrostatic dates on oxygen and SCBA bottles, in accordance with SOG 421.
• Inspect portable extinguishers for proper charge and annual inspection date, using the inspection label to confirm the last inspection date.
• Rope shall be inspected in accordance with SOG 419.
• Winch (if equipped) should be installed at each connecting point to ensure proper operation of winch and power connections.
• Clean high-lift jacks, chains, and come-alongs with appropriate methods, checking for damage, corrosion, wear, or broken strands.

Recommended Lubricants and Additives

• Use lubricants sparingly, as excess oil or grease can attract dirt and compromise operation.
• Light oil refers to Liquid Wrench, WD-40, or similar water-displacing lubricating oil, typically in an aerosol can.
• Air Tool Oil – supplied with the air chisel in a small squeeze bottle.
• Two-Cycle Oil – added to gasoline to lubricate two-cycle engines
• Silicone Spray – used on roll-up door tracks and slide out compartment trays, ensuring minimal residue.
• Remove dirt prior to applying silicone on other moving parts.
• Graphite is recommended to ease the movement of pump valve handles, applied to the remote control handle shaft and mechanism after removing dirt.
• Use only "food grade” machinery grease grease, applied to appliance and pump threads as needed.
• Add fuel Stabilizer to all newly acquired gasoline according to the label.
• Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is used in some engines to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

Scheduled and Unscheduled Maintenance

• Engine maintenance may require service at TSF, Fleet Management, or a private repair facility
• Regardless of the source, the following procedures shall be performed following maintenance to ensure proper operation of critical components.
• If service requires the engine to be out of service for 24 hours or spans two shifts, immediately perform a complete daily inspection before swapping equipment and returning to service
• Focus on what was worked on to ensure it is proper.
• If service was performed on the engine and returned on the same day then the following checks must be completed before returning it to service:
• Visual check of booster tank level.
• Verify proper operations of the pump and governor operating properly (in both modes)
• Verify that the break pressures are proper working conditions
• Verify that all the equipment is accounted for

Engine Positioning at Incident Scenes

• Recommended engine spotting/placement is consistent with SOGs 402 and 406.

EMS Responses

• At a single-family residence, prioritizes the location of the rescue unit and stretcher access, considering patient safety during loading.
• Use the engine as a barrier to protect the patient loading area on busy streets.
• Due to the limited access of apartments the engine may need to be well removed from the location.
• Park outside, leaving access for the rescue unit in complexes

Roadway Incidents

• Patient/responder safety is paramount for engine positioning.
• Use the engine as a barrier to block traffic, allowing room for manipulation of the patient and stretcher, hose advancement.
• Exhaust pipe should be taken into consideration when treating patients.
• Spot uphill and upwind of spills or leaks.
• Use police to ensure scene safety.
• Placing the truck needs to be determined if extrication is required.
• Turn off headlights to improve vision in apparatus facing traffic at night
• If deploying scene lighting, do not create a hazard.

Structure Fires

• Initial arriving Engine and Ladders should be placed in front on the structure in most cases.
• Position the attack lines where it leaves room in front of the other company.
• Engine placement is the same for Multi story Structures as singular structures.
• Engine should be placed to leave building corners open, permitting the ladder company to reach two-sides.

Tactical and Safety Considerations

• Refrain from parking beneath power lines
• Refrain from moving too close to involved structures to reduce the damage to the trucks.
• Provide room to deploy the hose lines and keep them clear of the exhaust.
• Do not leave any rear apparatus obstructed with little to no ground ladder and no access.
• Contact TSF prior to attempting removal of any engine that has become stuck.
• Refrain from driving on any private driveways or on private bridges besides emergency response.