The Riverhead Fire District, covering 48 square miles of both urban and farmland areas, has recently expanded its fleet with the addition of a Bulldog “Little Boss” Brush Truck and Ferrara Custom Pumper. As a long-standing Bulldog Fire Apparatus customer, we are proud to continue supporting their needs and value the trust they place in us.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Tim Murphy, Vice Chairman of the Riverhead Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners, who shared insight into the department’s operational challenges and equipment requirements.
The Brush Truck will focus heavily on serving two key beach areas — North Fork Beach and the Sand Beaches of Long Island. Commissioner Murphy described how, during extremely dry conditions when burn bans are in effect, the department often faces prolonged firefighting operations. “Last year, our firefighters fought a 48-hour stretch battling brush fires,” he said. “In one instance, our Fouts 4,000-gallon tanker was utilized for over 12 consecutive hours to contain a fire, underscoring the need for reliable, heavy-duty equipment.”
In addition to firefighting demands, the department also requires a durable and powerful vehicle capable of towing the department’s boat, while still being maneuverable enough to access parking garages and main roadways.
The in-stock Ferrara custom pumper provided the department with an immediate opportunity to review the truck firsthand. The department was able to evaluate its features, then work through the necessary customizations to meet their operational needs. This new engine will replace a 30-year-old unit, delivering modern upgrades and enhanced performance. “The crew appreciates the low hose bed, the simplicity of the pump panel, and the ability to customize the truck to match their operational style and service capabilities,” Murphy added.
Bulldog extends sincere appreciation to District Manager Frank Darrow, Treasurer Caitlin Buthmann, Chief Piotr Kurzyna, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners John Tradeski, and Vice Chairman Tim Murphy for their leadership and commitment throughout the design process. Their dedication ensures that Riverhead Fire District remains equipped to serve its community with both efficiency and strength.
Bulldog Built “Little Boss” Brush Truck
- Ford F550 4X4 Extended Cab/Chassis
- Buckstop Super Single Conversion Lift kit
- Custom Bulldog flatbed body with maximized storage
- Body black-out package
- Three-(3) underbody fabricated compartments
- Federal Signal LED warning and scene lighting package
- FRC Spectra Q15 LED telescoping scene lighting
- 300-gallon water tank capacity
- Darley Centrifugal Portable Pump model 2 BE 24 Horsepower Kubota – 380 GPM. Pump is equipped with a bronze adapter for saltwater use.
- Elkhart Brass model # 8494-01, Sidewinder Wildland Monitor
- Hannay EF40-38-17-18 12v electric rewind booster reel, 100′ of 1″ NST booster hose
- Custom Ferrara Invader Cab/Chassis – EMFD 10″ raised roof
- 6-man cab configuration
- Hot dipped galvanized frame rails
- Cummins L9 450HP
- Allison 3000EVS transmission
- Hale QMAX 1750 GPM single-stage pump
- Discharge Complement:
- Front bumper jumpline
- Deck gun discharge – manual Akron Hi-Riser monitor
- Booster reel – Located in the rear step compartment
- 750-Gallon “L” shape water tank for low hose bed accommodations
- 3/16″ Extruded aluminum body
- Driver side body – rescue style compartments
- Officer side body – low Side compartments with externally mounted NFPA ground ladder complement
- Whelen LED warning / scene lighting package
- Customized shelving accessories package
- Custom white over red two-tone cab paint scheme