dear pete, this is a rescue vehicle, used in Portugal to perform mainly extrication operations and other general rescue activities. Although I'm not from this fire station (Pampilhosa da Serra) I know fairly well this area, which is pretty hilly and rural, thus the use of this kind of equipment in a light and All Terrain Vehicle. Sorry for the bad English...
very nice looking appliance but what's it actually used for?.Pete.
Added by Pete Matten on 27 July 2008.