ISUZU TRUCKS - A UNIQUE SOLUTION FOR A UNIQUE FIRE SERVICE
18 January 2011
'Unique' is an apt word to describe the Tasmania Fire Service's
(TFS) approach to preparing its trucks for deployment in the
field.
Rather than outsourcing to fill their truck body production
needs, the TFS fabricates all its appliances internally and is the
only fire agency in Australia to do so.
TFS Engineering Services Manager, Leon Smith, said this allowed
the service to precisely fill identified gaps in service provision
and squeeze the best out of each truck in the fleet.
"Once we've identified a gap in our fleet service provision
we'll specify a vehicle as to how much water we want it to carry,
crew size, and the terrain it will travel over, among other
considerations," Leon said.
"We'll then do an assessment of available chassis to determine
what fits in with that functionality. A prototype is built and
tested, and if it's fit-for-purpose, we'll begin fabrication
work."
The need to fill such a gap in the TFS fleet resulted in its
recent acquisition of 30 Isuzu NPS 300 4x4 crew cabs to replace
ageing vehicles around Tasmania.
"These units are being modified by the TFS to serve as 1,600
litre tankers which will carry up to six crew members in a
configuration suited to vegetation fire fighting," Leon said.
"A lot of Tasmanian towns are surrounded by vegetation so it's
an important vehicle for us."
With 26 years of TFS service to his credit, Leon says Isuzu has
proven its credentials over time as a reliable performer not just
on the road, but also in the customer service arena.
"Isuzu has a good grasp of our requirements and has worked well
with the national fire industry for many years," Leon said.
"They're aware of emerging trends, they're receptive to the
needs of the various agencies and will always work to accommodate
our requirements."
The TFS boasts a fleet of more than 100 Isuzus, ranging from
single cab 4x4s to older F Series heavy tankers.
Many of these units work on the front line of fire fighting
efforts for Tasmania's 230 fire brigades, transporting the TFS' 250
career fire fighters and 4,800 volunteers to incidents throughout
the state.
"I was a career fire fighter for 15 years and have been in a
fleet management role for eight years. In my experience, from both
an operational and fleet management perspective, I've found Isuzus
to be great vehicles," Leon said.
ends
For further information, please
contact: For Isuzu
Truck Releases and Photos:
Jeff Birdseye
Arkajon Communications
Marketing Manager
Phone: 03 9867 5611
Isuzu Australia
Limited
Email: isuzu@arkajon.com.au
Phone: 03 9644 6666