Editor’s Opinion Chris Mc Loone
When I last wrote, my fire company was in the planning stages for two new engines. And, I was getting excited for the potential return of one of our 1981 American LaFrance engines.
As a service, we were still at the beginning stages of emerging from the COVID-19 Pandemic. In-person events weren’t back in full effect yet, and for many, there was a mix of some COVID-19 protocols still in place while other areas stopped enforcing them completely. But, a lot happens in two years, so let me catch up.
We took delivery of our two new engines at the end of 2021, and they reflect what’s going on in the fire service for many fire apparatus deliveries. For example, there are no light towers, and all lighting is LED. There are no generators, so all equipment previously powered by cord reels is now battery-powered. Compared with our previous engines, they feature much lower hosebeds. The engineer’s compartments feature the now often found hinged door that swings out toward the rear of the truck. New for us, although a trend across the fire service for some time, are in-cab communication systems consisting of headsets. These are just a few examples of these two new rigs trending more toward what we see nationwide.
With all that said, however, the trucks also hearken back to apparatus traditions seen through the years. Now, unfortunately, there are no bells—my favorite tradition on fire apparatus—but, I do understand the rationale for not including them. Although the lighting is all LED, some of the emergency lighting is more traditional. For example, two Mars lights are on the front of the rig and a Roto Ray. Additionally, each truck carries a booster line mounted in the dunnage area.
For us, there have been some operational changes. For example, although the trucks carry crosslays, we are transitioning to working primarily off the rear. Using the in-cab communication systems has also been an adjustment but not a difficult one.
Now for a LaFrance update. Weldon Fire Company sold its twin 1981 American LaFrance pumpers in 1997. In 2007, Dr. John McNamara assumed ownership of both apparatus. In 2021, Weldon reached out to McNamara about leasing one of the pumpers while awaiting delivery of its two new pumpers. McNamara agreed, and one of Weldon’s LaFrances arrived in the spring. Weldon used the rig as a personnel carrier. During the past two years, Weldon returned the pumper to its original appearance, removing the cab cover and relettering the rig. It looks great, and I must say it is great to drive. McNamara very graciously has allowed Weldon to continue housing it here to be used for various community events. The biggest challenge at Weldon has been finding a place to house the rig, which, as Ron Heal has said many times, is often the hardest part of owning an antique rig.
1 A 1981 American LaFrance Century originally in service with Weldon Fire Company (Glenside, PA) and now owned by Dr. John McNamara. (Photo by Frank McCann, Weldon Fire Company.)
FDIC International 2023 is this month. When I think of the ’81 LaFrance, I also compare it with what I will see in Indianapolis, Indiana, later this month. When the LaFrance first backed into the station after 24 years, the difference between it and our newer pumper was striking. A back step where firefighters rode to fires, just two jump seats, SCBA mounted in an exterior compartment, two booster reels, and a 1,250-gpm pump are just a few of the differences. The physical size of the rig compared with a modern apparatus is also striking. We’ve come a long way in terms of sophistication. And, the ride sure is a lot different. But, it’s also nice that the LaFrance has a bell!
Speaking of FDIC 2023, as always, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the fire service at large. If you see me, don’t be afraid to stop me and catch me up on what you’ve been up to or the challenges you’re currently facing specifying equipment or a new rig. These aren’t the easiest of times in the purchasing world, but if you properly set your expectations, plan well, and budget wisely, these days are navigable. If your plan was to start specifying a new rig in two years, assuming you’d have it in three, the time to put together your committee is now, not later. Get out ahead of potential roadblocks. Heading out to FDIC is a great way to start.
