Two Hackney lions have been released in the Arlington County Fire Department arena prepared to spring into action. One of the first departments to respond to the 9/11/01 terrorist attack on the pentagon, the Arlington County Fire Department, dedicated to the protection of the people, made a pledge to strengthen the ability of their forces by adding additional emergency response vehicles to their fleet. On March 25, 2003, Arlington’s pledge became a reality when they took delivery of a 14 compartment technical rescue trailer and a 14 compartment haz-mat trailer from the Hackney Emergency Vehicle plant in Washington, NC.
     The Hackney technical rescue vehicle will be dedicated to confined space and rescue operations for the Washington, DC area. It features compartments in the rear for storage of up to 18 4 x 8 shoring panels and numerous 6 x 6 and 4 x 4 shoring beams. A fold-down ramp is installed in one of the 40" deep side compartments for loading and unloading a Stanley power unit. This 14-compartment trailer is loaded with adjustable shelves and trays utilizing the available space to its fullest, and is complimented by two "belly" compartments under the trailer to carry tripods, stokes baskets and other equipment.
     The loudest roar comes from the Hackney 14 compartment haz-mat vehicle. Touting an array of assorted shelves and trays, the unit also boasts the addition of a 300-pound capacity absorbent hopper in one of the 40" compartments. This versatile haz-mat vehicle is flanked on both sides by a deployable awning with automatic lift handles and lock knobs to provide shelter during extended operations. Other features include a slide-out tool board, SCBA storage for eight bottles and an 8KW hydraulic generator. The rear command center provides a climate controlled work area with overhead cabinets, desktop, filing cabinets and seating for two. The electrical system of both trailers features multiplexing, reducing the wiring from the tractor to the trailer to one single small harness rather than a number of bulky harnesses. This system provides remote factory diagnostics by telephone modem.

 

     The rubble has been cleared from the streets of New York City and the sirens are at last silent. The horror of September 11, 2001, although deeply imbedded in the minds of the entire world, has quietly stepped onto a page in history. A new awareness now exists in the mind of all the emergency personnel who stand to protect the lives and property of the citizens of New York. The ugly head of terrorism can rear its head at any time, demanding the attention of innocent people.
     The Fire Department of New York City, in a concentrated effort to stand ready for any emergency, has pledged to not only replace the Mask Service Units that were destroyed in the 911 attack, but to also extend their existing fleet to counteract any acts of terrorism or major incidents. Hackney Emergency Vehicles has once again responded to the needs of this department by manufacturing three additional Mask Service Units, which individually has the capability of storing 286 SCBA bottles containing the breath of life that is so critical during extreme emergencies. These Mask Service Units, manufactured specifically for the Fire Department of New York City, are uniquely designed to accommodate one of the largest departments in the nation. As they race from one part of the city to the other, all emergency workers can literally breathe a little easier knowing that Hackney has made a major contribution to their quality of life.