Logistics and Fleet Management began the annual pumper testing today, Monday 4-May. The marathon involves moving all Engines to Headquarters during four days, while still providing coverage in the stations. Battalion Chief Stallings orchestrates the truck movements, while personnel rotate the vehicles to a staging area near the pump test pit at Headquarters. Each test takes about one hour as the Engine is put through the paces, so to speak, following the NFPA pumper testing criteria. As one truck is completed, another is ready to quickly take its place. Changing over takes roughly 5 to 10 minutes.  

As Council has funded updated equipment, the tests run much more smoothly in recent years. The dependable fleet does not see the failures of a decade ago. Any problems that arise are quickly repaired at Fleet Management before the units are returned to the stations. The process should be completed by Thursday.