Fire department training with new air compressor system

The McAlester Fire Department started training and put into service a new cascade air compressor system that improves a vital part of fighting fires.

“This new system is an upgrade from our old one and will help us continue protecting our community as quickly and safely as possible,” McAlester Fire Chief Brett Brewer said.

The new cascade system speeds up the process of refilling air cylinders firefighters use when responding to a fire.

The BAUER CFS5.5-2S unit is built on the popular and serviceable platform with the company’s most popular options and upgrades. It offers two fill positions with an ergonomic door design to reduce strain on the operator.

The City received two Assistance to Firefighters Grant grants through FEMA in FY2021 that totaled $253,257. One went toward a new rescue truck and the other purchased Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units for all firemen. The SCBA includes a harness/backpack, face piece and two cylinders, with each fireman assigned their own equipment that is not shared.

The SCBA units were purchased entirely with FEMA funds, while the cascade system was purchased with FEMA, city funds, and some Pittsburg County tax revenues that are set aside for the fire department.