Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1398793
8 I PSAI Association Insight, August 4, 2021 Pump Trucks: The Workhorses of Our Industry (continued from page 7) Random Thoughts and Remembrances: Judge Coleman and Coleman Vacuum Systems Liz Coleman shares a wonderful and interesting story about her husband, Judge, and their founding of Coleman Vacuum Systems in 1968. "Judge was working with Grumman and at one point was involved in the delivery of chemicals for a cesspool. He saw a need for a much better and much improved truck." She goes on to relate, "Each day after work, Judge worked on developing that truck." Finally, in 1968, Coleman Vacuum Systems was created and "we were the first of our kind in the industry." Judge nicknamed that first truck "The Pit Hog." Judge's desire to create the "Cadillac of the industry," according to Liz, led him to travel to England. England was home to vacuum milking pumps, and Judge wanted to learn more about these products for adaptation in the US. The ability to "think outside the box" is a common thread among the innovators in our industry. The PSAI has advocated for improved professionalism and standards in our industry, and Judge Coleman was of the same mindset. In 1974, he was instrumental in the formation of the Long Island Liquid Waste Association (LILWA). Judge served as President from 2003 to 2006. When we lost Judge on September 24, 2017, LILWA created the "Judge Coleman Memorial Scholarship" as a tribute to "his tireless donations to the septic industry." Random Thoughts and Remembrances: Innovation and Future Possibilities John Barrett with FMI reminds us that constant innovation and experimentation are the keys to improving our industry. He says, "Our WorkMate series of portable toilet trucks features side-mounted tanks. We have found that this arrangement can provide more even weight distribution and brake wear." In addition, FMI has offered electric trucks as an option since 1999 as part of their arrangement as an Isuzu dealership. Further, John predicts that, "We will see improved function and reliability as well as increased demand for electric trucks over the next six to eight years." Even with 38 years of experience in the industry, John is always looking ahead and always looking for ways to improve our industry. As we have seen from previous discussions, all of us, from operators to suppliers need to remain open to new ideas as technology constantly changes. Final Thoughts Our industry has been extremely fortunate in that significant changes and improvements in truck and vacuum technology have mirrored the development and growth of portable restrooms. As wooden portable restrooms were being handmade by industrious operators, innovators manufacturing and selling pump trucks made important advancements in tank and pump design so that these vehicles could service the new units. As acceptance and growth of portable restrooms continued, advancements in pump truck technology accompanied the increased demand. From honey wagons to Model T trucks, from engine and belt pumps to PTO- driven pumps, and from diesel to electric trucks, one thing remains constant according to Roy Coffey, "It's still a round tank, and you're still hauling sludge in it." Requests: As this series of articles continues in our 50th Anniversary Year as well as the update of "PSAI Through the Decades" is composed, I would appreciate any articles, stories, remembrances, or any other information that you could share to assist in the preservations and the publication of the amazing history of our industry and our PSAI would be greatly appreciated. Email Jeff or call him at 770-206-0794. THANK YOU! Personal Note and Thank You Thank you so much to John Barrett, Roy Coffey, Liz Coleman, and Bruce Curry for their time and eagerness and willingness to share their experiences with me. A very special thank you to Wes Tuttle for suggesting each of these wonderful professionals to assist in the writing of this chapter of our history.