Submitted by Joey Slagle

The Elliston Volunteer Fire Department in Montgomery County VA. recently purchased thru a competitive bid process a KME Predator Top Mount Pumper from Slagle Fire Equipment Co. Inc. of South Boston, Virginia.

The KME Predator LFD chassis features the latest in crash and roll-over protection features as well as five air pack seats and customized interior storage features. Enhanced chassis and body electrical features and troubleshooting capabilities are provided by the Class-1 multiplexed electrical system with built-in modem for remote diagnostics. The apparatus is powered by a Detroit Series 60, 515 horse power engine with an Allison EVS4000 automatic transmission.

The pumping system includes a Waterous Model CSU-C10-1500 gpm single stage pump with a Foam Pro 2002 Class A firefighting foam system to assist in fire suppression. The primary pump panel is top mounted and includes a walkway heater system for cold weather operations. To supply the pump and foam system, there is a 1000 gallon water tank along with a 30 gal. Class A integral foam tank.

The overall length of the truck is 35’ 4” and has full height and full depth body compartments on the driver side of the body and full height and split depth compartments on the officer side. A vertical “sta-dri” bin for approximately 250lbs. of oil absorbent is located in the front driver side compartment with a fill stack in the forward area of the primary hose bed. The KME customized compartment shelving, trays, tool boards, etc. result in the body compartment layout being very functional for the fire department’s immediate and future needs.

A Wilburt 20 foot vertical light tower is enclosed in the front of the hose bed with an air actuated hinged cover protecting the light while not in use. The vertical light tower, electric rewind cord reel, and five 1000 watt front and side quartz halogen flood lights are powered from the 20,000 watt Harrison PTO/ Hydraulic Generator system.

The Elliston VFD is located on U.S. 460 between the Roanoke County line and Christiansburg, Va. Their response area includes both U.S. 460 as well as a large area of Interstate 81 and many miles of residential and rural roads in Montgomery County. The department mutual aides with other departments in Montgomery County as well as Roanoke County.

Slagle Fire Equipment Co, Inc would like to thank Chief “Pug” Wells and the members of the Elliston VFD for the purchase of their KME Pumper.

To see more apparatus that have been sold by Slagle Fire Equipment, check out www.slaglefire.com