Combat Ready - Sheperdstown, WV

Last weekend I was invited to present "Combat Ready Firefighting"to the firefighters of Jefferson County, WV.  After a great class, the more than hospitable members were eager to show me their firehouses and apparatus.  The pride in their departments and history was obvious (good thing!).  

Sheperdstown Engine 3 stood out to me, outfitted for down & dirty firefighting.  In the suburban and rural environment.  Some things I noticed:

• Low hosebed & crosslays, near shoulder height, for rapid deployment of hoselines. Should we really need a ladder to lay supply line or pull the attack line?
• Versatile hose bed with various sizes, nozzles, hoseloads, and options for water supply and fire attack. 
• Three (3) hard suctions, which I've learned in the rural environment are very important!
• Ladders easily deployable off the side rather than hidden in some compartment or on some rack.
• FRONT INTAKE!  How did these become so rare?  With the soft sleeve pre-connected, by the way... Great for sleeving hydrants or nose-in drafting.
• Functional front bumper line - who says you can't fight fire off of a bumper line?  If it's spec'd right...

Probably one of the most important attributes - PRIDE.  These members were proud of this apparatus because they knew it was functional.  There was 2 feet of snow on the ground and this rig glimmered in the apparatus bay (clean).

Was there a ton of compartment space?  No not a ton... But rather than a jack of all trades and master of none (don't we see a lot of those apparatus these days?), this rig was ready for engine company firefighting with enough room for the extra essentials.

Is your rig COMBAT READY?  If so, how?  If not - WHY NOT?