Norwalk Fire Department Implements Highway Blocking Vehicle
In a significant stride toward enhancing firefighter safety, the Norwalk Fire Department has introduced a specialized highway blocking vehicle designed to safeguard crews during emergency responses on high-speed roadways such as I-95, the Merritt Parkway, and the Route 7 – the TrafFix Devices Scorpion blocker, a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA).
Traditionally, Norwalk, like many departments, utilized a second fire engine to block traffic lanes during highway incidents. However, this practice posed substantial risks: the potential loss of a $1 million fire engine, extended replacement times of up to four years, and, most critically, the endangerment of firefighters positioned in harm’s way.
The newly deployed vehicle, built on a Freightliner M2 chassis, is equipped with a mounted Scorpion Blocker Attenuator and a directional arrow traffic routing sign. This setup allows the driver to remotely deploy the truck trailer attenuator (TTMA) from within the safety of the cab, eliminating the need to enter active traffic lanes. In the event of a collision, the attenuator is engineered to absorb kinetic energy, thereby protecting both emergency responders and errant drivers by creating a controlled crush zone.
Assistant Chief Edward McCabe highlighted the impetus for this advancement, citing a June incident where a tractor-trailer struck a Greenwich fire engine stationed as a blocking vehicle on I-95, resulting in injuries to three firefighters. Such events underscore the unpredictable and hazardous nature of highway emergency scenes.
The adoption of this highway blocking vehicle fitted with a TMA not only enhances safety but also offers economic advantages. The attenuator bumper is replaceable if damaged, and even if the entire truck is compromised, it can be replaced at a fraction of the cost and time compared to a traditional fire engine.
A Safer Future
Norwalk’s initiative places it among a select group of fire departments nationwide – alongside counterparts in Michigan and Texas – that have integrated such specialized vehicles into their operations. Notably, both departments have reported instances where their highway Scorpion TMA Blocker trucks successfully absorbed impacts, effectively protecting personnel on the scene.
This proactive measure reflects a growing recognition of the need for dedicated safety solutions in emergency response scenarios. By investing in specialized equipment like highway blocking vehicles, fire departments can better protect their personnel, ensuring they can continue to serve the community effectively and safely.
