This is part of a letter that was sent out from BES in regards to attaching stuff to the end of your Aerial ladders. Just a heads up!!

Recently, the Supply and Maintenance Division has noticed an increased number of damaged aerial ladders caused by members clamping items such as pike pole brackets to uprights and diagonals on the fly section causing crushing and denting of these ladders.

 All members are reminded that it is a violation of the rules to alter (or attach) anything to the aerial ladder without the approval of the Bureau Commander and Supply and Maintenance Division

 The Bureau Office received information from Supply and Maintenance today that the clamping of a pike pole on an aerial ladder truck brought into the shops today did damage to one of the uprights, causing it to be taken out of service.  That situation will require follow up via CTS. 

Additionally, we are out of reserve trucks.  Chief Rueda has directed field resources to use a browned out truck as a relief apparatus.  There are lots of issues that go along with the use of browned out trucks.  Most of these issues are very problematic. 

Please cause each of the aerial ladder trucks assigned to your Battalion to be inspected by the assigned Officers, and any clamped items removed from the aerials immediately.  This is to be documented in the Fire Station Journal. Division Commanders will report back to BES Office when this has been completed.