Any Firefighter POV setups out there?

Hey all,

I scoured the threads for a while but I couldn't find one place that had pictures/discussion on firefighter POV lights/radio setups. Please post pictures/videos of your setups for ideas!! If there is already a thread on this, please link it and I'll delete this one.

I'm pretty partial to Whelen, I've gone the STL route before and hated it, switched back to Whelen. Probably going to end up putting Ions in the grille, not sure what I'll do for the rear or sides. Really interested on where folks are putting light/siren controllers as well.

Please don't let this turn into a discussion of "in my state, that's illegal." Wouldn't be asking here if I did not have the necessary state issued permits & permissions.

TIA!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Check out this member
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...al-discussion.551852/page-17646#post-26373893
He has a large collection of red/blue
light bars and controls.

 

Hey, welcome to TW!

I've been thinking about putting a modest amber setup on my '21 with a couple of Whelen IONs so I've compiled some info on ideas. See below:

• 2nd Gen Build: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...o-and-emergency-lighting-extravaganza.509280/
  
• Spotted LE Tacoma (red/blue): https://youtu.be/vC6kEUCFCes?t=82

• Controller: https://sirennet.com/whelen-8-function-power-control-center.html
• Possible mounting spot for controller (between front dome lights and sunroof/roof): https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/clean-vhf-cb-radio-installs.415584/page-82#post-23834911
• BackRack (no drill) for mounting rear and side lighting: https://www.backrack.com/original-rack
  • I was thinking two IONs rear facing and a duo amber/white ION T-Series on each side of the brackets for side warning and alley lighting.
• Behind grille (lightbar) bracket (could be used to mount siren speaker without drilling extra holes): https://www.bayareametalfab.com/2005-2021-Toyota-Tacoma-Behind-the-Grille-Light-Bar-Bracket_p_9.html
• Possible under seat light/siren controller mount (probably other options out there): https://desertdoesit.com/products/u...coma-2003-2021-4runner?variant=33222571098194

 

I run amber strobes hidden using the factory turn signal wiring and meso total tails and a strobe-n-more controller

 

There is a firefighter thread in the Off-Topic section: https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/firefighters.253/ You might get some traction there in addition to posting here.

I spent over 20 years in EMS in NJ, both as volly and then professionally as a street EMT and an administrator for a large hospital-based urban EMS system. When I did it professionally we had vehicles assigned as administrators so there was never a need to do anything with the POV. It took my volly service years to allow lights on POVs, even though blue lights were legal as long as you had a permit issued by the state. They felt the liability was excessive and that lights on POVs attracted a certain kind of wannabe that they wanted to avoid. I noticed that you're in Maine, so your situation is very different being so rural and probably not having your station manned 24/7. My personal preference is not to do anything installed on the vehicle, simply because it cannot be easily undone should you ever not have a need for them any more. Whelen makes a great series of non-permanent cigarette lighter plug-in options (https://www.whelen.com/product-category/all/lighting/dash-deck-visor/). Obviously this is not as easy if you need a siren, as you will need some type of controller. We never had a need for a siren because the blue light statute in NJ did not allow them. The blues asked drivers to yield but they were not obligated to, and permit holders still had to obey traffic laws (stop at red lights, etc).
This is the most minimally invasive siren I could find: https://www.amazon.com/AS-PA2000E2-...siren+for+vehicle&qid=1634395913&sr=8-1-spons

 

Welcome aboard.

 

I also came across this '18 that has had a couple different lighting setups.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvCIQhEOfjA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25krEMIEMwc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUzi8sZOpgs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugyeefoW4WI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e_-jcbvZnw

 

remotemedic has an awesome build
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...3rd-gen-today.399305/page-10685#post-26275176
@remotemedic

 

Just out of curiosity.....when members of volunteer departments agree to do lights on their POV, does the department absorb the expense? From having been involved in prepping new vehicles in my former professional department I know the cost can easily get well into 4 figures for a good set-up and I would hope you guys don't have to go out of pocket for that.

 

Have a standalone siren controller, and am really happy with the Carson SA-361 with a ETD 100W speaker

https://www.thepublicsafetystore.co...6NXNzUjrh4TJd49jHenRsYo-2XiigF2BoCXNsQAvD_BwE

https://www.extremetacticaldynamics.com/100-watt-siren-speaker-compact/

 

No Dragnet style cig lighter roof light recommendation yet?

 

I had one of those like 20 years ago, but it stuck to the top of the dash. The thing was great for car shows.

 

Back in the 80s when I was still on my volly EMS service I had one blue magnetic teardrop light that plugged into the cigarette lighter and went on the roof. We called them Kojak lights. Guess I'm dating myself lol

 

Not where I volunteer.

 

Yikes! That kinda sucks.

 

Whelen Dash-Master..lol. I loved mine!

 

@BartMaster1234

 

I have a Federal Signal Legend LED amber lightbar on my truck, and a Federal Signal SmartSiren SS2000SM to control it.

https://youtu.be/HBbJC9DEXrg

Since I don’t use my system for emergency response purposes, I programmed the controller to disable all siren tones and changed the flash patterns on the serial module to reflect tow/utility truck appropriate patterns.

My lightbar was surplus from PG&E, I think it was originally for a large bucket truck. My siren and light controller came from the CHP I believe.

The extra AUX buttons control my front spot lights, and my rear bed lights.

 

Mine was a rotating beacon light with the mirrors on the back to keep it from blinding me. Still reflected off the windshield pretty good though. I think it was made by code 3... ill have to look through my boxes of stuff, I think I still have it somewhere.

This is it
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1989-vintage-code-dash-fire-police-2000743106