It has been awhile since the Company operated a fleet of American LaFrance pumpers. The Company operated a 1948 and a 1951 700 Series 500 gpm pumpers. The 1948 engine (old Engine 53) is parked out back waiting for enough funds to perform a restoration project. The 1951 engine (old Engine 51) is owned and operated by Deputy Chief Bob Russell and can be seen at various parades and events.
On Monday, August 14, 2006, members of the Apparatus Committee met with representatives of American LaFrance to look at a 100 foot mid-mount aerial tower ladder. The unit was a quint demonstrator model, that the Committee would take a look at and make decisions about various options and features to be included in the finalized specifications. Our specifications will not include a pump or water tank, but will feature an extended cab to give more room inside the rear cab area. I am sure that Chief Andy Devine was looking down and smiling. He was an ALF fan.
The Company has applied for grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and is hoping for a positive response some time in the Fall of 2006. The Committees goal is to finalize the specifications so that the Company is in a position to order the tower immediately upon notification of a grant award. The unit would be painted to match the new Company color scheme, similar to the rehabbed Engine 52.