A neighboring fire department lost one of their own last night. Details are unavailable, but it appears that the young man was working on a wildland fire when he stopped and got outside the deuce for some reason (possible vehicle or pump problems). The truck apparently rolled over him and he died several hours later at the hospital. He left behind a wife and four children. Please pray for his family and hug yours a little closer today.
We probably can never be 'safe enough', but PLEASE respect the size, weight and capabilities/limitations of our military vehicles. As more and more enthusiasts are drawn to our hobby, it may be easy to loose sight of inherent risks with this type of equipment. Take care of yourself and those around you when operating one. Safety is priority #1.
Sorry to hear that.It is always a sad day when we loose somebody in our family,I pray for his because it will be many days before they feel normal again.
I agree, ALWAYS! be carefull when working driving or just getting in and out of your MV.......remember it may just be a M38 or a 5ton truck,but they really aren't designed for your protection,just transportation.The one thing about dueces and 5tons is that when you get out of the truck with gear on sometimes you can knock the emergency brake lever back down,and not know it.When in a hurry it can be overlooked.So lets be careful out there.
You walk into a goverment office looking for help and assistance, because all your life you've been told they will help. How come when you leave you feel like you have just been violated in some way, and your the bad guy.
Driving a deuce or any vehicle on old logging trails (assuming he's in the woods) can be trecherous with the side of the trail giving way, for example. Perhaps the man noticed the vehicle was starting to roll and tried to get out and out of the way and didn't have enough time.
No matter what, its a sad story, my condolences...
Bjorn
Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains
Avatar: XM757 in OK prepared for 1,000 mile trip home. Part of 6,000 mile journey in 2006.
1968 M49A2C modified with 1960 M756A2 truck bed and 1975 HIAB 765A knuckleboom. Heated dual tank system for biodiesel/veggie oil use.
1969 Ford XM757 8x8 5-ton truck tractor W/W, the "improved" MV.
"Some things can't be made better, just differently......a lot of things actually"
We buried our friend and fellow fireman on the prairie that he loved. As a small tribute, we rolled the trucks out in his honor and had the lights on for the funeral procession (led by another 4 fire trucks). There were about 30 trucks lined up, but I couldn't get them all in the shot. A few pics below.
I am so sorry for the loss of your fellow firefighter, it really does bring home the danger of using any large equipment.
I have been guilty of driving on bad tires, driving with no brakes, and horsing around and posting pics of us "taking chances". I want to let everyone know I for one will be MUCH more careful and responsible with my gear from now on. Accidents happen even when folks are NOT engaging in risky behavior, so I will not be pushing my luck anymore.
That was a respectful send off you gave him, he would have been proud I am sure.
Firefighter Dies from Deuce (w/ Tribute Pics)
