Aerial ladder considerations
In this edition of “KTW” Captains Claudio Fluxa, Kevin Schilling and Greg Malais discuss (1) aerial laddering consideration, and (2) their greatest leadership influence. These topics and experienced-based opinions should be points of discussion for all of us.
Operational question: What is your tactical laddering preference on a one-story commercial when you can either deploy an aerial, ground ladders or a combo of both?
CII Schilling, FS 39-C: My SOG’s are dictated by construction, size, type and fire intensity. I must also consider staffing and resource depletion as well when determining a particular ladder sequence.
Oftentimes the first and greater alarm trucks encounter limited access and/or aerial obstructions; if this occurs G/L’s are a great option. Using the aerial as your primary ladder along with a minimum of two additional G/L’s will support an aggressive, but safe roof operation. My expectations are that the correct ladders will get thrown, which obviously results from proper training and focusing on “The Basics.”
Ladder placement can be improved when “talking it up” as you approach the involved structure. Also, take caution when using ladders less than 24′ on small commercials due to the possibility of reduced visibility at fires generating “heavy smoke” conditions. Proper spotting of the aerial along with correct ladder selection and placement enables an effective transition from offensive to defensive operations, as well as supports “Mayday” ventilation operations if necessary.
CII Malais, FS II-C: Without a doubt I believe the aerial is superior to all other ladders. I’ve made it my first choice for fireground operations, but that doesn’t mean I use it exclusively. When arriving in Task Force formation I expect to see the aerial used in combination with ground ladders.
This one-man ladder is the longest, strongest and most versatile ladder available, along with being the easiest to climb when carrying tools aloft. A well-argued point is the time factor to deploy an aerial as compared to a raising 35′. As a former A/O I know first-hand that hoisting an aerial can take time, but with proper training you can lessen this time and increase proficiency.
I require my A/O to raise the aerial on all structure fires, even if we’re first to arrive. When the A/O knows he’s always going to position his aerial for use, approach and spotting skills become well developed. I’ve implemented a one-minute standard for raising the aerial to structures, and will often time my crew to ensure this standard is maintained.
CII Fluxa, FS 66-C: Because the term “one-story commercial” is somewhat vague, I use the size and type of a structure to influence my laddering preference.
For “small” one-story commercials I prefer a minimum of two G/L’s thrown to different corners/sections of the building. I’ll have my A/O spot for possible aerial use, and direct G/L’s to be thrown immediately for the speed and efficiency of getting T 66 to the roof. I’m fully aware of an aerial’s strengths, but I still prefer the speed of G/L’s versus an aerial on small commercials.
For “large” one-story commercials I prefer an aerial combined with at least one G/L thrown to a different corner/section of the roof. When compared to ground ladders, the aerial provides greater reach and stability on these types of commercials – if spotted correctly an aerial can even reach the topside of a shoulder arch.
When necessary I’ll also direct a company to deploy additional ladders to compliment ours. A well-spotted aerial can also provide an “anchor” from which my roof team can ascend, and is a solid starting point for vent operations. A raised aerial is highly visible, can withstand a rapid retreat by multiple FF’s and is already positioned for an eventual ladder pipe operation.
Leadership question: Name an active or retired member that has had the greatest leadership influence you and why?
CII Schilling: For the past twenty-eight years I’ve been extremely fortunate with my career assignments. I routinely received excellent training and valuable leadership lessons from some of the finest officers, rated members and firefighters.
The member that had the greatest leadership influence on me is B/C Roy Harvey. Through his dedication, hard work and guidance I have managed to enrich my knowledge, skills and abilities in every rank I’ve held. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have worked for and along side Chief Harvey for more than ten years.
His mentorship has truly facilitated my development and enabled me to become the officer I am today. All you have to do is look at amount of LAFD members that have promoted under his command and you’ll get a sense as to why he’s admired by so many.
CII Malais: I’ve been fortunate to work with many great leaders during my career, but the one I have the most vivid memories of is retired A/C Robert Defeo. Although he was my Capt II when I was an engine rookie at FS 3, he rode Engine 3 while his Capt I was preparing for the II’s exam.
Capt Defeo had a great deal of credibility and respect due to his years of experience in Battalion 1. He was a confident officer who everyone knew was the leader of our team. He provided lots of individual attention – I recall many nights when he was in his “jump jumps” throwing ground ladders with me in the rear yard of FS 3.
I enjoyed his humor, he was always positive and his enthusiasm for this job was contagious. He was an excellent teacher that communicated well, and his numerous details to the Drill Tower further developed him into an outstanding training officer
CII Fluxa: I can’t name just one member that has had the greatest leadership influenced me because there have been many. Over the years I‘ve learned a great deal, both good and bad, from numerous officers in the area of leadership. However, there are a few that have stood out above all others throughout my career: Jim Finn, Gil Reyna, Jesus Pasos and Luther Petty.
Although these four possessed different leadership styles and personalities, they also shared common traits and characteristics. Wonderful attributes such as honesty, integrity, work ethic and most importantly, caring deeply for their members. The lessons learned while being a part of their crew, combined with working around other quality LAFD members has assisted greatly in my leadership growth and development.
I’m extremely fortunate to have worked with Captains Finn, Reyna, Pasos and Petty and I am fairly certain others have had similar experiences with other great leaders as well. My modest advice would be to work in assignments surrounded by great people where you’re able to learn and develop all while bettering your co-workers and those you serve.
In next months KTW Captains Jim Flores, Paul Nelson and Matt Monroy will discuss (1) criteria for selecting a 2½” handline, and (2) managing their Co’s training agenda.
Facilitated by Jerry Bedoya