COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Columbus Division of Fire has taken a half dozen ladder trucks out of service after they were voluntarily recalled by their Dublin-based manufacturer.
Sutphen Corporation announced on Tuesday that it was recalling four models of platform ladder trucks after two mechanical failures across the country, according to statements released by the Division of Fire and posted on the company’s website.
“We pulled our vehicles as a proactive measure. Our first priority is for the safety of our firefighters and residents. The Division of Fire and Fleet Management made this transition possible and assured continuous service to residents,” Chief Gregory Paxton said.
The recall came the same day three firefighters in Georgia were injured during a training exercise. The three were in a bucket on top of a ladder that dropped about 20 feet and jammed because of a mechanical failure, according to a report on the website of Atlanta TV station WXIA.
“In light of the recent incidents, we recognize there is an immediate need to take precautionary action. I would rather take every precaution necessary than to put firefighters at risk,” said company president Drew Sutphen.
According to the company website, the model numbers of the recalled trucks are SPH 100, SP 110, SPI 112, and SAI 110.
Fire officials say Columbus had six of the Model SPH 100 platform ladders in service, three from the 2011 model year, two from 2005 and one from 2013.
The company says customers can use the apparatus as engines or support vehicles only but Paxton says the division pulled all of the affected models off of the street and replaced them with reserve apparatus so there was no interruption of service and 15 ladder trucks remain on duty.
According to the release issued by the company, Sutphen plans to stay in close contact with customers and report when the units can return to service.