7 Unstoppable Features Of The Sutphen SPH 100 Aerial Platform That Define The Columbus Fire Department’s Reach

As of late 2025, the Columbus Division of Fire (CFD) continues to rely on one of the most robust and technologically advanced pieces of firefighting apparatus in its fleet: the Sutphen SPH 100 Aerial Platform. This formidable machine, a testament to the long-standing partnership between the CFD and the Ohio-based Sutphen Corporation, is not just a ladder truck; it is a multi-functional rescue tool engineered to tackle the unique challenges posed by Columbus's growing skyline and expansive urban environment. Its deployment ensures that firefighters have the superior height, stability, and water-delivery capabilities needed to protect the lives and property of Ohio's capital city. The SPH 100 represents the pinnacle of aerial firefighting technology, featuring a mid-mount design that provides exceptional stability and maneuverability—critical factors in navigating the congested streets and varying building heights of Columbus, Ohio. Operating out of key strategic locations, such as Station 26, this apparatus is a cornerstone of the CFD's tactical response, ready to engage in everything from high-rise suppression to complex technical rescues.

The Unmatched Specifications of the CFD's Sutphen SPH 100

The Sutphen SPH 100 is Sutphen Corporation’s flagship aerial platform, known for its superior strength and innovative mid-mount design. The Columbus Division of Fire specifically chose a configuration that maximizes both performance and operational safety, making it a critical asset for the department’s needs. The following is a detailed profile of the apparatus as utilized by the Columbus Division of Fire:

• Apparatus Type: SPH 100 Aerial Platform
• Manufacturer: Sutphen Corporation (Dublin, Ohio)
• Chassis: Sutphen Monarch heavy-duty custom chassis
• Cab Configuration: Four-door, six-person seating capacity
• Aerial Device: Mid-Mount, 100-foot (30.5 meters) Aerial Platform
• Pump Capacity: 1,500 Gallons Per Minute (GPM)
• Water Tank Capacity: 300 Gallons
• Stabilizer System: Out-and-down “H-style” stabilizers
• Total Stabilizer Width: 18 feet
• Key Components: Box Boom Structure, Huck Bolt Fastening Technology
• Operational Location: Operates out of Station 26 (as part of a multi-apparatus delivery)

This detailed configuration highlights the CFD's commitment to equipping its firefighters with apparatus that can withstand the rigors of heavy urban use while providing the maximum margin of safety and operational effectiveness.

7 Unstoppable Features That Make the SPH 100 a Rescue Powerhouse

The SPH 100 is engineered with a series of features that collectively elevate its performance above standard aerial devices. These "unstoppable" elements are precisely why the Columbus Fire Department selects Sutphen to strengthen its fleet.

1. The Mid-Mount Advantage for Urban Agility

The SPH 100 utilizes a mid-mount aerial device design, which positions the turntable and aerial device closer to the center of the truck. This strategic placement significantly lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity. A lower center of gravity translates directly to superior stability and enhanced maneuverability, which is essential for navigating the tight turns and traffic of downtown Columbus. This design also often allows for a shorter overall vehicle length compared to rear-mount platforms, improving access to restricted areas.

2. 100 Feet of Unrivaled Reach and Rescue Capability

With a 100-foot aerial platform, the SPH 100 provides the reach necessary to access the upper floors of many commercial and residential buildings across the city. The platform basket, unlike on some other models, is designed to be highly versatile, offering a secure working area for firefighters to perform complex tasks. This reach is critical for high-rise firefighting, ventilation operations, and the rapid evacuation of occupants from elevated positions.

3. The Strength of the Box Boom Structure

Sutphen's aerial devices are constructed using a robust Box Boom Structure. This unique design choice provides exceptional torsional stiffness and strength, ensuring the aerial platform remains stable and safe even when fully extended and operating under heavy loads, such as multiple firefighters, rescue equipment, or high-volume water delivery. This structural integrity is a non-negotiable factor for firefighter safety.

4. Internal Routing for Component Protection

A key feature for long-term reliability is the internal routing of all critical components. Electrical, air, and waterway lines are routed internally through the boom structure. This design protects these vital systems from external damage, heat, and debris, simplifying maintenance and significantly extending the operational life of the apparatus. This thoughtful engineering reduces downtime and keeps the truck ready for service.

5. High-Volume Water Delivery (1,500 GPM Pump)

The SPH 100 is equipped with a powerful 1,500 GPM (Gallons Per Minute) pump and a 300-gallon water tank. This high-capacity pump ensures that the aerial waterway can deliver a massive volume of water to the scene of a fire, providing superior suppression power from an elevated position. The combination of the pump, tank, and the platform’s Akron electric and manual nozzles makes it a formidable water-delivery system.

6. The Stability of H-Style Stabilizers

To ensure maximum safety during operation, the SPH 100 utilizes out-and-down “H-style” stabilizers. When fully deployed, these stabilizers create a wide, stable footprint—18 feet in total width—that firmly anchors the apparatus to the ground. This system allows the 100-foot aerial device to operate safely at full extension and with maximum payload, regardless of the challenging terrain or load distribution.

7. The Sutphen Monarch Custom Chassis

The entire apparatus is built upon the Sutphen Monarch heavy-duty custom chassis. This foundation is specifically designed for the demands of urban firefighting, offering a spacious four-door cab that comfortably seats a crew of six. The robust construction of the Monarch chassis ensures durability, reliability, and a powerful engine platform capable of rapid response times across the city.

The Columbus Fire Department's Commitment to Fleet Excellence

The acquisition and deployment of the Sutphen SPH 100 is part of a broader, ongoing effort by the Columbus Division of Fire to continuously update and strengthen its fleet. The CFD has a long-standing and strong relationship with Sutphen, a family-owned Ohio company, which ensures that the department has access to custom-built apparatus tailored precisely to their operational needs. The SPH 100 works in concert with other specialized vehicles recently added to the fleet, including new pumpers and other aerial devices from manufacturers like E-One and Pierce. This diverse and modern fleet ensures that the Columbus Fire Division is prepared for any emergency scenario, from standard residential fires to major industrial incidents and technical rescues. The SPH 100, specifically, serves as the heavy-duty aerial platform, providing not only fire suppression but also a vital elevated rescue and work platform. The continuous investment in high-quality, reliable apparatus like the SPH 100 confirms the CFD’s unwavering commitment to fire safety and emergency response excellence for the citizens of Columbus.

Detail Author:

• Name : Delta Howe
• Username : treinger
• Email : treva.kirlin@becker.com
• Birthdate : 1996-03-05
• Address : 666 Reichel Viaduct Harmonfort, CT 20491
• Phone : 1-425-519-7007
• Company : Mertz, Renner and Halvorson
• Job : Financial Examiner
• Bio : Dolores iste sed repudiandae dolorem. Tempora non odio accusantium laudantium maiores sint enim itaque. Et et eius quo. Ducimus et quod est qui deleniti id.

Socials

facebook:

• url : https://facebook.com/eboehm
• username : eboehm
• bio : Consequatur nulla tempore et delectus. Dolorum vitae nisi commodi qui numquam.
• followers : 4067
• following : 2424

tiktok:

• url : https://tiktok.com/@eldridge_boehm
• username : eldridge_boehm
• bio : Quod adipisci natus veritatis dolorem voluptates. Id odio quod voluptates iure.
• followers : 3065
• following : 1977