There are standard and commercial solutions that can sometimes effectively fit the general requirements of a fire department. Then, there are  custom build solutions, where a fire apparatus is specifically  designed and equipped to meet individual demands and push the limits and capabilities of an apparatus to a whole new level.

One of a kind – Hudsonville Fire Department’s HME Mini-Pumper, aka the HME Rodent.

You can go a long way with a custom design, but how much can even the best custom-designers pack into one compact, custom mini-pumper style fire apparatus? After all, like it has been said many times before, you can’t have everything. If you want fast and quick, you’re going to have to leave something behind. Well, the Hudsonville Fire Department’s HME Rodent might possibly be  one of those rare exceptions where you can have just about everything you wanted – in one small, quick and responsive mini-pumper fire apparatus. Read More…