The Brief
- Florida fire departments are facing more than 1,200 vacancies.
- More agencies are adopting a computerized firetruck system that automates traditional pump operations.
- The $25,000-per-truck system is already in use at several Tampa Bay area fire stations.
FORT MEADE, Fla. – As Florida’s population grows, many fire departments are struggling to keep up – facing both rising call volumes and severe staffing shortages. But a new piece of high-tech equipment could offer a lifeline, not just on emergency calls, but in the race to recruit the next generation of firefighters.
The Fort Meade Fire Department is among hundreds across the nation adopting a computerized firetruck system that automates traditional pump operations – once managed manually with more complicated cranks, dials, and levers.
The system also includes a ‘smart’ fire hose that communicates directly with the truck to regulate water pressure in real time, speeding up response times and freeing up firefighters to focus on the job at hand.
What they’re saying:…