With space and resources more limited than ever, departments are shifting toward mini-pumpers and light rescue trucks to maximize efficiency. Over the years, FMI has set the expectation that a small-form truck can still have robust storage capacity, and no apparatus exemplifies this better than the upfit we completed for the Winchester, Kentucky fire department. They approached us with a brand-new, rescue-style small truck that needed full optimization, and we were up to the task.
When designing compact trucks like Winchester’s, our designers aim to maximize space while maintaining the versatility that first responders demand from their front line. Like many departments we work with, Winchester had specialized storage needs. In this case, that meant accommodating a large inflatable boat.
To achieve this, we incorporated two heavy-duty transverse slides. The front slide is fully equipped with a strut package, SCBA mounts, and a bottom shelf for additional storage. A smaller slide was also added for RIT pack and long-handled tool storage. The back slide houses water rescue equipment and the inflatable boat on one side, with additional storage for cribbing and rescue jacks on the other. These slides allow departments to deploy from either side without duplicating tools or sacrificing valuable time on-scene.
In the final three compartments we installed custom-built slides. One for a large toolbox, another with a shelf for storage, and a final rear slide that is loaded with generators, rescue tool storage, and hand-crafted air bag pockets.
By the time we completed the upfit, Winchester’s truck was fully equipped and ready for service. This project is a perfect example of our expertise- optimizing compartment space and helping departments quickly get their apparatus into service.
If you would like to see the full walkaround of this truck, visit our Facebook page here.
