ALL VOLUNTEER • STATE COLLEGE PA
Alpha’s large response area includes many unique occupancies and a variety of terrain. Some incidents are handled by a smaller specialty vehicle in lieu of an engine or truck. Our diverse collection of response vehicles stands ready for support services across the region at a moment’s notice.
Special Unit 5 is a 2005 Chevrolet 3500 HD 4X4 with a low profile compartment body to facilitate easy entry into any of the numerous parking garages around town and on campus. Fire suppression is provided by a Darley 18hp forestry pump with a 210-gallon water tank and a 15 gallon Class A foam cell. The bulk of the department’s forestry tools are on this unit, which is equipped to tow the UTV trailer. During football season an IFEX water extinguisher is carried on this unit. This unit runs out of the Borough Station.
Command 5 serves as the Duty Chief’s vehicle. This unit is a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe with a custom command interior by Fastlane Emergency Vehicles. In addition to items for incident management, the unit carries medical supplies, a 5-gas meter, accountability card reader/recorder and iPad.
UTV 5 is a Kubota/EJ Metals suppression unit on the RTV900XT frame. The fire pump operates at 6 GPM from a 70 gallon water tank and 5 gallon Class A foam cell (also compatible with Class B foam). In addition to the fire pump, the unit carries an IFEX water extinguisher and an SCBA. The unit is equipped with the Kubota factory hydraulic reel which can operate any Kubota hydraulic accessory. During brush fire season the unit typically remains on a tandem axle flatbed transport trailer. This unit was donated by the Penn State Athletic Department. This unit runs out of the Borough Station.
The department operates two utility vehicles for transporting personnel and equipment between the stations and incident scenes. Both Utilities are equipped for towing.
Utility 5-1 is a 2005 Chevrolet 2500 HD 4X4 pick-up. This utility typically operates from the Borough Station.
Utility 5-2 is a 2012 Chevrolet 2500 HD 4X4 pick-up. This utility typically operates from the Patton Township Station.
“Heavy Lift 5” is a 1988 Nissan N6000 diesel forklift. The unit was donated by Lezzer Lumber and was rehabilitated by Poorman Auto and Alpha members. Valley Truck of College Township donated the work basket attachment. This unit is used to move equipment to and from the mezzanine of the Borough Station and to move spare foam totes at the College Township Station.
Alpha owns and operates a Class B foam trailer purchased by the South Central Mountains Regional Task Force (SCMRTF). This unit is available throughout the 8 counties of the SCMRTF and beyond. This MGS/National Foam/Kidde trailer was purpose built by Cotrell Associates with two 300 gallon totes of Universal Gold 1% -3% and a pre-plumbed foam master stream device. Compartments added by Alpha contain a foam transfer pump and various foam nozzles and appliances. This unit is generally towed by Engine 5-3 when responding outside the Alpha service area. It is housed at the College Township Station.
Alpha owns and operates a three lane decon trailer purchased by the South Central Mountains Regional Task Force (SCMRTF). This unit is available throughout the 8 counties of the SCMRTF and beyond. This trailer was purpose built by Scotty and is equipped with propane water heating and electrical generating systems. This unit is housed by the Ferguson Township Public Works Department.
The Alpha Fire Chief and the COG Fire Director are issued staff vehicles since both are “on call” 24/7. Each vehicle has a 4-gas meter and enough basic equipment to handle service calls and the initial stages of incident command. These units carry the same number designation as the Chief officer to which the vehicle is issued. Both units are 2013 Ford Explorer Interceptors.
Chief 5 is utilized by the Alpha Fire Chief.
Chief 55 is utilized by the Fire Director.
