JFRD: History and Innovation

General Information

• All rights are reserved under copyright 2015
• No part of this work can be reproduced without written permission from JFRD
• This is the Seventh Edition, revised November 27, 2024

Contact Information

• Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department - Training Division is located at 2700 Firefighter Memorial Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32246; phone: 904-997-4920
• Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Headquarters is located at 515 North Julia Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202; phone: 904-255-3280
• The website is www.coj.net

Acknowledgements

• Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) celebrates a rich history of innovation in the fire and rescue service community
• On January 2nd, 1870, Jacksonville’s second volunteer company, The Mechanics Steam Engine Company, was formed
• The company purchased the State of Florida’s first steam engine
• The new steam engine could throw a stream of water 200 feet at a rate of 250 gallons per minute
• The Mechanics firehouse was located on Adams Street between Main and Laura Streets
• Lessons from pump operator classes and a training book written by JFRD’s Fire Chief, Miles R. Bowers was adopted by the Florida State Fire College and still influences statewide training to this day

Preface

• The ability to carry water and provide fire streams are the most basic functions of fire service
• Jacksonville Fire and Rescue utilizes engines, tankers, brush trucks, airport crash trucks, and fireboats
• The engine is the primary pumping apparatus with over 60 engines city-wide
• The Engineer must fully understand the operation of each type of apparatus
• The book provides duties, skills, and responsibilities needed as an engine company engineer
• A section on JFRD tankers is included
• The book provides the company officer with minimum skill guidelines for training of crew members
• All engine company members must be familiar with the contents of the book to provide the most efficient pump operations

Preventive Maintenance

• Fire and Rescue apparatus must be continuously maintained to respond, provide protection for the crew, and function properly and efficiently
• Scheduled inspections and preventive maintenance are crucial to maintaining apparatus readiness
• All company members shall assist the engineer in the proper care, cleaning, and upkeep, as assigned by the company officer
• A daily inspection must be performed at the beginning of each shift and recorded in the Daily Apparatus Check Off, located in the JFRD Portal under the Tactical Support tab, then Daily Apparatus Management
• Safety or operational concerns must be brought to the company officer's attention immediately with a logbook entry
• Equipment used during the shift must be checked and returned to full operational status as soon as possible
• Contact the Tactical Support Facility (TSF) for any maintenance related issues
• Report any JFRD equipment noted as being lost, found, stolen, or damaged to the company officer immediately
• Diesel exhaust is carcinogenic and there is no safe level of exposure according to NFPA and NIOSH; take all measures to avoid exposure

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); any fluids added must be indicated in the Daily Apparatus Report
• The engineer (or operator) is the only authorized person to add fluids (DEF, diesel, unleaded, oil, etc.) into the units, with company officer verification
• Improper fluids can cause extensive damage and costly repairs
• The engineer and company officer will be held equally responsible for any damage resulting from improper fluid placement and will result in formal discipline for both individuals
• All fluids must be the proper type and grade; contact TSF with any questions
• Check booster tank and foam tank levels by visual observation into the tank and compare visual levels to gauges for accuracy
• Ensure proper air brake pressure for both front and rear (>100 PSI), and proper brake operation
• Check tire pressure, lug nuts, axle seals, and tread depth; minimum tread depth is 4/32” or when tread wear indicators are even with the tire tread
• Ensure seat belts operate and adjust properly and that wipers operate properly
• Check all running lights (including brake and backup lights), all visual and audible warning devices, and scene lighting with the motor running
• The motor must run until it reaches normal operating temperature and verify normal readings on all cab-mounted gauges
• When the pump is engaged and TANK-TO-PUMP valve is open, do the following:
  • Verify pressure on the master discharge gauge
  • 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 equipped)
  • Discharge water from at least one discharge opening
  • Open and close each 5" intake valve then remove the cap to drain
  • Disengage pump then open/close each manual valve to verify smooth operation
  • Open and close all bleeders, then open the PUMP DRAIN valve briefly to flush sediment
• Tilt the cab and inspect all drive belts for tightness and wear, check the batteries for leaks and tight connections
• Never place any part of your body under the cab while raising or lowering and ensure the cab tilt lock is in place when fully open
• 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 and check motor, transmission, pump transfer case, and drivetrain for fluid leaks
• Ensure air brakes are set and do not climb under apparatus while the motor is running
• Sweep dirt and debris from the cab and wipe down surfaces as needed
• Inspect apparatus exterior and note any new body damage

Daily Equipment Inspection

• Defibrillator: change batteries and ensure proper operation
• Portable oxygen: ensure tank pressure is >1000 PSI and oxygen delivery adjuncts are stocked
• Medical jump bag and other EMS equipment (backboard, c-collars, and ALS equipment) must be fully stocked
• Air chisel: connect to air bottle, ensure proper operation (bottle pressure >4000 PSI), and do not trigger the air chisel unless the chisel head is in contact with a solid material
• Check each SCBA and spare bottle in accordance with SOG 421
• Pre-connected hoselines and supply hose must be stacked properly and ready for deployment, and nozzles must be properly set and free of debris
• Compartments: ensure proper operation of doors and verify all equipment is in place and ready for use
• Chainsaw: ensure chain is sharp and properly adjusted, fuel and oil levels are full, verify proper operation, and use motor oil for bar lubricant
• Ensure each portable radio has a fully charged battery
• eDRAULIC tools (if equipped): ensure proper operation of motor and pump and store hydraulic spreaders with a ½” gap between the tips
• Generator (if equipped): check oil and coolant levels 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
• Ensure an adequate supply of gasoline, both straight gas and gas/oil mix as needed in the gas cans
• Add fuel stabilizer to newly acquired gas and rotate older gas to use with lawn equipment

Weekly Inspection and Maintenance

• A more thorough inspection of the apparatus and all equipment must be performed each Monday, in addition to the daily inspection
• All steps may not need to be completed, use proper judgment to maintain the engine and pump, and the company captain shall establish a maintenance schedule

Weekly Engine Inspection

• Apparatus cab shall be thoroughly cleaned, ensure all map books, reference books, and keys
• All glass and mirrors are accounted for, and wipe down interior surfaces
• Clean the thermal imaging camera and verify proper charging
• Clean exterior of apparatus and apply wax monthly or in accordance with the company maintenance schedule
• Each compartment must be emptied, and shelves cleaned
• Remove dirt and old lubricant from roll-up door tracks and apply silicone spray and light oil to both sides of the door hinges, and operate the door several times
• Remove excess oil
• Bleed all air tanks beneath the engine even though these tanks are equipped with relief valves that periodically purge, these are not automatic bleeders
• Open the valve and bleed until the discharging air is free of moisture

Weekly Pump Service

• Remove each pump cap, elbow, and wye and clean all threads on the pump and appliances and apply grease as needed
• Inspect gaskets and replace if necessary and ensure strainers are present in 2-½” intakes
• Operate all pump valves and clean or lubricate as needed and note resistance or improper operation of any valve
• Remove and clean the intake valve, inspect internal casing for rust or sediment buildup and proper operation of the valve
• Clean and lubricate the Storz connection gasket, internal threads (piston intakes) and bleeder valve
• Apply soapy water and work the swivel until loose
• Inspect the steamer intake strainers; these function as an anode, protecting the pump housing from rust
• Oxidation is normal and if the deterioration gets excessive, TSF will provide the replacement
• The strainer must also fit tight within the steamer intake pipe to work properly

Weekly Equipment Checks

• All hand tools must be cleaned and all moving parts lubricated; check axe heads for tightness and inspect handles for damage
• Clean with use soap and water, then dry thoroughly, apply light oil to steel surfaces and moving parts, and apply linseed oil to wood handles as needed
• Ladders must be cleaned with soapy water and all moving parts manipulated
• Inspect heat indicators for discoloration and inspect the entire ladder for physical damage and use light oil sparingly to lubricate roof hooks
• Rinse dirt and debris from ladder compartments
• Clean nozzles with soapy water and a soft brush and immerse nozzle in warm soapy water and operate all moving parts
• Do not use lubricants
• Exercise couplings on hard suction hoses; if swivels are frozen or stiff, apply warm soapy water and rotate the swivel
• Clean dirt and debris from hard suction hose compartments
• Inspect and clean chainsaws, remove and clean air filter (if indicated), and remove the chain assembly and clean chain drive
• Use air pressure to remove debris from hard-to-reach areas and reinstall chain and adjust proper tension, ensuring proper direction of the cutting teeth
• Ensure proper operation after reassembly
• Clean air tools with soapy water and dry thoroughly
• Lubricate each blade with light oil and apply 5 drops of air tool oil into the blade end and operate
• Charge batteries on all battery-powered tools and thermal imaging camera as indicated
• Account for all bits and blades and operate each piece of equipment to ensure proper operation
• Inspect SCBA buddy breathing hoses to ensure quick-connect couplings are free of debris and work properly and clean SCBA backpacks as needed
• Check hydrostatic dates on each oxygen bottle and SCBA bottle and refer to SOG 421 for testing requirements
• Check portable extinguishers for proper charge and annual inspection date
• The inspection label indicates the date of the last inspection
• Rope must be inspected in accordance with SOG 419
• Winch (if equipped): install at each connecting point to ensure proper operation of winch and power connections
• Clean and lubricate extrication tools as follows:
  • High-lift jack: Clean with soapy water and dry thoroughly
  • Wipe down the entire tool with light oil, including all moving parts
  • Inspect the jack for bent or damaged components
  • Chains: Clean with soapy water if dirty, and dry thoroughly, and wipe down the length of chain with light oil and inspect links for damage or corrosion
  • Come-Along: Clean with a dry cloth, use light oil sparingly on moving parts, inspect cable for broken strands, corrosion, or wear, do not apply any lubricant to the wire rope
  • If the wire rope gets wet or is exposed to moisture it must dry thoroughly and inspect the handle for straightness

Recommended Lubricants and Additives

• All lubricants must be used sparingly because the excess can attract dirt and compromise proper 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 and leaves minimal residue
• Do not use silicone on other moving parts and remove dirt before applying
• Graphite: recommended to ease movement of pump valve handles and applied to the remote control handle shaft and mechanism, from the pump panel to the valve handle attachment
• Remove dirt prior to applying graphite
• Grease: only "food grade" machinery grease is permitted and apply to appliance and pump threads as needed
• Fuel Stabilizer: add to all newly acquired gasoline according to the label
• DEF: diesel exhaust fluid used in some engines to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions (page 93)

Scheduled and Unscheduled Maintenance

• Periodically the engine may require service at TSF, Fleet Management, or a private repair facility
• The following procedures must be performed no matter the source of the maintenance in order to ensure proper operation of critical components:
  • If the service requires the engine to be out of service for 24 hours or any period that spans two shifts, a complete daily inspection must be performed immediately, before swapping equipment and returning to service
  • Pay particular attention to any component or system that was serviced to ensure proper operation
  • If the service was performed and the engine returned on the same shift, the following checks must be completed before returning to service:
    • Visual verification that the booster tank is full
    • Verify the pump and governor operate properly (in both modes)
    • Verify proper brake pressure and brake operation
    • Ensure all equipment is accounted for

Engine Positioning

• The following procedures are recommended for engine spotting or placement at common emergency scenes and are consistent with SOGs 402 and 406

EMS Responses

• Single Family Residence: give priority to the location of the rescue unit and stretcher access, consider patient safety when loading, and use the engine to protect the patient loading area on busy streets
• Apartments, Assisted Living, & Multi-Story Buildings: the engine may need to park well removed from the location due to limited access to entrances, lobbies, and courtyards, leaving the closest access for the rescue unit

Roadway Incidents

• Responder and patient safety is the priority for engine placement and use the engine as a barricade to block or divert traffic
• Allow room to safely manipulate the patient and/or stretcher or to advance hose lines
• Consider engine noise and location of the exhaust pipe when treating patients
• Spills or leaks may require spotting uphill and upwind, and use police as needed to ensure scene safety
• Consider the placement needs of the ladder truck or extrication engine if extrication is required
• Turn off headlights at night if the apparatus is facing oncoming traffic to improve vision of approaching vehicles and do not create a hazard for other drivers when deploying scene lighting

Structure Fires

• Single Story Structure: the first arriving engine and ladder company should be spotted in front of the structure in most cases
• Position the engine for placement of attack lines while leaving room in front of the structure for the ladder company
• Multi-Story Structure: engine placement is the same as for single story structures, but the engine should be placed to leave the building corners open, which permits the ladder company to place the turntable to reach two sides of the structure

Tactical and Safety Considerations

• Do not park under power lines or too close to involved structures
• Leave room to deploy hose lines and keep hose away from exhaust pipes
• Leave the rear of all apparatus unobstructed to facilitate ground ladder and tool access
• Some engines need 5 feet of space on the officer’s side to lower the ladder rack
• Contact TSF prior to attempting removal of any engine that has become stuck
• Do not drive on private driveways or on private bridges except during emergency response