Better Balance Point

Firefighter Eric Bearss from Orlando (FL) Tower 7 sent in this idea for a better balance point. He pointed out that he picked this idea up while assisting Mike Ciampo (FDNY) at the annual Orlando Fire Conference with Champ’s Street Smart Ladders Class. Obviously, the main purpose behind the marking is to identify the balance point for each ladder. This larger marking serves multiple other purposes: easy equipment identification, and of course the ever important company pride (take a look at the fireground pics @ the station.) However, the most important aspect of this version of the balance point marking has to do with helping the outside team. In the instances when the outside team may be split up on the fireground, its obvious to the other team member exactly which ladder is yours, and exactly what room you are currently VESing (by leaving your hook on the ladder.)