Tillers Return to North Carolina Fire Service!!
Published MON MAR 22
HIGH POINT - The High Point Fire Department has taken delivery of
their new ladder truck. While the delivery of any new rig is special,
this unit is definitely a rarity that may signal the beginning of a
resurgence in what the public calls "hook and ladders."
Ladder 2 will enter service soon in High Point after
driver training and education.
While a tiller is nothing new to the tarheel state, a
new one hasn't been ordered since the 1970's. Only one tiller is
currently in service in the state, in Wendell (Wake County). Ladder
116 is operating a much refurbished late 1950's era American LaFrance/Mack
that originally saw service in Raleigh.
Wendell's rural location may seem like an odd choice
for a tiller. In fact, the department operates the truck without a
tillerman, choosing instead to lock the rear drive.
To our south, Hilton Head boasts the only tiller in
service in South Carolina at Truck 6. The department recently
purchased a used truck from Atlanta, and it is currently being
refurbished.
During the 60's, 70's and 80's, Wilmington, High Point,
Charlotte and Raleigh operated tiller truck companies. During the late
80's and 90's, most departments opted for rear mount sticks or massive
tower ladders instead.
High Point's new Ladder 2 is actually a "quint",
carrying hose, water and a pump.
Later this year, Raleigh is expecting delivery of their
new tillered quint, also to be built by Pierce.
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