In the early 1970’s, 4 Fire Control Laborers now known as Fire Suppression Aids were assigned to the Heavy Equipment Unit as Swampers. They each developed a deep attachment for the equipment and the personnel assigned at the time. The 4 individuals decided to make the Heavy Equipment Unit their career choice. Today, Al Fortune (Captain), Robert Riell (Senior Operator), Jack Hayes (Senior Operator) and Robert Lancaster (Transportation Supervisor) run the unit.

Tremendous improvements have been made in the equipment in the last 35 years. Most notably, a 2 man environmental cab was developed and implemented in 1994. These cabs greatly improve safety, communications and production. We now have 4 of these dozers in our fleet. Other improvements include 4 wheel drive dozer tenders and extreme service transports and low bed trailers.