How is Boston Sparks' vehicle legal?
By Brett - 1/9/09 - 1:22 am
A couple weeks ago, I saw some guys driving this vehicle into the parking lot of Home Depot. You'll note a full set of emergency lights and sirens (in the hood.) That siren is illegal, and so are the lights; they require a permit to be on the vehicle (which requires application by the chief of a fire department), and they require an active police officer or fire fighter, responding to a call as part of their job, to use. The vehicle is also clearly painted and lettered to give the impression that it's somehow an official vehicle.
While it is wonderful to see a group providing "canteen" services to fire fighters and doing it via donations, a)isn't this something the city should be doing anyway (in some sort of capacity), and b)why do they need lights and sirens to get hot coffee to a fire?
Comments
disaster vehicles
By Pete Nice - 1/9/09 - 1:58 am
I believe this is a disaster vehicle which is allowed to use sirens and lights when responding to disasters.
Im sure the registry needs some sort of documentation that it is an actual disaster vehicle belonging to some sort of non-profit disaster group.
I believe the American Red Cross has the same MA plates.
Try doing some research
By anon (not verified) - 1/9/09 - 2:31 am
Try doing some research before you go out and guess the right answer. This vehicle is perfectly legal.
Mass General laws:
Chapter 90: Section 7I. Emergency disaster service vehicles of charitable corporations; identification and equipment
Section 7I. Special purpose motor vehicles and trailers, the property of and registered to charitable corporations, specifically assigned to the emergency disaster services of those organizations, and used for the benefit of firemen, policemen, civil defense workers and victims of fires and disasters, shall be furnished, without charge, by the registrar at his office, a number plate of the type and design furnished to ambulances, fire engines and fire apparatus. Such emergency disaster service vehicles may be equipped with sirens or other audible warning devices and with visible warning devices as provided in section seven E. Such audible and visible warning devices may be used by the vehicle operator only when responding to an official alarm of fire or disaster and at no other time. Every such emergency disaster service motor vehicle shall be marked, on a part of the vehicle not readily removable, and in a conspicuous place, with the insignia of the corporation and with words identifying the vehicle as an emergency disaster service unit
first anon...
By Pete Nice - 1/9/09 - 9:12 am
I hope you werent talking to me about guessing. I know that disaster vehicles are allowed to do what I said they did.
Im just not sure if this vehicle is actually a disaster vehicle. But the plates look like some sort of official plate.
Anon, can't be bothered.
By anon (not verified) - 1/9/09 - 4:13 am
Anon, can't be bothered. Illegal? Maybe. I ain't gonna complain. I've had their coffee. Not the hottest, but it seemed warm at the time. Warmed my hands up. Maybe you can find something else to bitch about. FU.
You took the time to look
By anon (not verified) - 1/9/09 - 2:35 am
You took the time to look into the mass laws but not far enough. This vehicle is perfectly legal and provides a priceless service to the emergency service workers in and around Boston.
Chapter 90: Section 7I. Emergency disaster service vehicles of charitable corporations; identification and equipment
Section 7I. Special purpose motor vehicles and trailers, the property of and registered to charitable corporations, specifically assigned to the emergency disaster services of those organizations, and used for the benefit of firemen, policemen, civil defense workers and victims of fires and disasters, shall be furnished, without charge, by the registrar at his office, a number plate of the type and design furnished to ambulances, fire engines and fire apparatus. Such emergency disaster service vehicles may be equipped with sirens or other audible warning devices and with visible warning devices as provided in section seven E. Such audible and visible warning devices may be used by the vehicle operator only when responding to an official alarm of fire or disaster and at no other time. Every such emergency disaster service motor vehicle shall be marked, on a part of the vehicle not readily removable, and in a conspicuous place, with the insignia of the corporation and with words identifying the vehicle as an emergency disaster service unit
priceless?
By Anonymous - 1/9/09 - 1:46 pm
"a priceless service to the emergency service workers in and around Boston. "
I thought they brought hot coffee.
Speaking as a (somewhat recovered) spark...
By Innismir - 1/9/09 - 10:29 am
Wow! And article on sparking on UH!
Boston Sparks Assoc. responds to any city within the Massachusetts Metrofire system. I also think it heads out to large incidents outside of MetroFire. They cover the drinks as more of a "you don't have to worry about it" type service to the cities. Why provide something yourself when
The times I've seen them, they do not go to fires with their lights and sirens on. They usually turn them on post arrival. (Why? No clue.)
Post-arrival. Why?
By Kaz - 1/9/09 - 11:18 am
Ambiance.
As it was previously
By RightSedRed - 1/9/09 - 11:01 am
As it was previously mentioned, this is perfectly legal.
Also, to clear up a few of your questions:
1). They don't only provide hot coffee. They also bring water during hot weather to make sure those on the front line are completely hydrated.
2). The city does provide this service; a rehab unit responds to all major incidents, again to make sure firefighters are kept hydrated, and either warm or cool, depending on the season. The Sparks canteen simply supplements this.
It was well proven on here that this vehicle, it's lights, AND sirens are completely legal. I know you are the authority on all public safety wrong-doings, but for you to come on here on proclaim that this is illegal with no evidence to support it is ridiculous. You're right that this is a wonderful service, provided by people who care; volunteers who don't have to be there, but are anyways.