Paterson, N.J.     As the snow belted our area in January and February, a specialized pierce of city fire apparatus was given added responsibilities.  A former military truck with high suspension that allows it to drive through floods, and acquired for just that purpose, was given more responsibility during the winter.

It all started with the snowstorm on January 25^th.  With large amounts of snow on the streets, ambulances were getting stuck and it was hard for fire apparatus to pass through, according to the Paterson Press.  That's when Squad 6A, a second piece of Squad Co. 6, with suspension nearly 3-feet higher that normal fire units and larger and wider tires, was pressed into winter duty.

“We came up with a strategy on how we could adapt it, said Deputy Chief Arthur Woods, who oversees the department's special operations.  Before the January storm, the squad refitted the rig by taking off the water rescue equipment and replacing it with a portable hydrant, 500-feet of 5 inch hose, 300-feet of 2 1/2 inch hose, and 200-feet of 1 ¾ inch hose.  In addition, Squad 6A has towing straps and other equipment to pull out vehicles, such as ambulances, if they are stuck in the snow. 

During the extremely low temperatures, additional equipment was added to include torpedo-shaped propane heaters and warming tents.  

Squad 6A responded to many calls that included emergency medical runs when it was placed into winter service.  

Normally, the special operations truck is used for high-water rescue emergencies when the Passaic River pours over its banks, flooding city streets.  

Improvise, or think “out of the box,” as they say, to make more use for your available equipment and apparatus.