Jackson Fire Department details Engine 2 capabilities at South Side Station

Probationary Firefighter Zachary Bryce described Engine 2’s equipment, staffing and response roles during a presentation at Jackson Fire Department’s South Side Station, 1906 Carl Breeding Way.

Bryce said, “My name is probationary firefighter Zachary Bryce. I'm the assigned fire motor driver on Engine 2 today.” He identified the engine as a 2021 Pearson Forester and outlined its main capabilities.

The demonstration summarized why Engine 2 is assigned to Jackson’s south side and how the apparatus supports firefighting, rescue, medical and hazardous-material responses. Bryce said Engine 2 “carries 750 gallons, 30 gallons of foam,” and operates a 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump to supply water to firefighters working inside structures. He said the engine participates in automatic mutual aid with Summit Township and other county departments.

Bryce described the engine’s hose and aerial equipment: a 1,000-foot large-diameter supply hose, 300 feet of 2½-inch hose for larger firefighting needs, and a 24-foot ground ladder plus an attic ladder for interior access. He also demonstrated the engine’s master stream (deck gun) for delivering larger flows onto large fires and explained interchangeable tips for wider or more concentrated streams.

Rescue and medical equipment on Engine 2 includes battery-powered Hurst “jaws of life” tools (cutters and spreaders), a Rescue 42 strut system for vehicle stabilization, cribbing and tow straps, and extra oxygen bottles and a trauma kit stored in the cab. Bryce noted the engine carries a Lucas mechanical CPR device and a LifePak monitor to assess vital signs and transmit EKG data to arriving ambulance paramedics.

On hazardous-materials response, Bryce said every engine carries basic hazmat supplies—oil-dry, spill-control “socks” (polar and nonpolar), and portable monitors to check for carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and lower-explosive-limit (LEL) readings. He said the department maintains a separate hazmat team that can bring additional apparatus and personnel for larger incidents.

Specialty gear described included high-rise kits (gated valves, elbows and small-diameter hose packs to operate inside stairwells), a rapid intervention team (RIT) pack to support downed firefighters, water-rescue Mustang suits and personal flotation devices, rope and throw bags, and battery-powered rotary and chainsaws for ventilation and access.

Bryce emphasized the engine’s staffing and roles: engines are primarily responsible for delivering water to fires, but crew members also perform medical care, vehicle extrication and interior firefighting. He said three firefighters are typically assigned to the engine, with a minimum staffing level of two on some shifts. He described the lieutenant’s role as initial incident commander who conducts size-up and assigns tasks, while the driver operates the pump and equipment.

Bryce also described equipment and procedures for elevator rescues in taller buildings and for supporting law enforcement during active-assailant incidents; he said firefighters provide medical and triage support and wear protective vests and helmets but do not take an enforcement role.

The presentation closed with practical information for residents: the South Side Station is manned 24 hours a day and the department encourages community questions and station visits. “If you ever need us, just call 911,” Bryce said.

The presentation provided a non-decisional overview of Engine 2’s capabilities and did not include votes or policy actions.