Search
Menu
News

WFC News

Posted: Mar 1, 2019

Colorado Battalion Chief Restores 1951 Fire Truck

1903FA_036-041

 

Colorado Battalion Chief Restores 1951 Fire Truck

BY AMY SPEER


Shifting to neutral then third, Kevin Maloney double clutches the gears. The 1951 fire engine responds, giving a slight groan before picking up speed.

A brisk breeze, not even 40˚F, whirls around the open cab of Maloney’s historic truck. Unphased by the cold, the Greeley (CO) Fire Department battalion chief grins. “See that chrome light?” he asks, nodding toward the hood of the pumper truck. “That’s my favorite part. The nose. I love how the chrome reflects back the lines of the truck as I’m driving. I can see its face—the truck’s personality.” He grins again and nods in affirmation.

Greeley (CO) Fire Department Battalion Chief Kevin Maloney stands next to his refurbished Peter Pirsch pumper. (Photos by author unless otherwise noted.)

1 Greeley (CO) Fire Department Battalion Chief Kevin Maloney stands next to his refurbished Peter Pirsch pumper. (Photos by author unless otherwise noted.)

But, Maloney sees more than just the iconic curved lines of the 1951 Peter Pirsch pumper. The white paint stirs up memories of his father, who passed away 26 years ago, and through the windshield, he pictures what Greeley was like before it became a sprawling Colorado city. And, Maloney will never forget the truck’s new “firsts”—a bumper sit with his friend, Alvan, and the engine’s (re)maiden voyage with his wife, Victoria, in an empty parking lot, where she mastered driving the rig. Call it nostalgia, but it’s what drove Maloney to refurbish the neglected fire truck that once served the streets of Greeley; Salida, Colorado; and eventually, Buena Vista, Colorado, where it became a postcard image. Now, the truck has a new story, one that has taken more than two years to (re)make.

THE REMAKING OF THE VIGILANT

More than 2½ years ago, a friend forwarded Maloney the classified ad that would bring the long-lost Greeley truck back home. Originally built in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the truck could pump 750 gallons of water per minute. The Pirsch, the Cadillac of fire apparatus back then, was delivered new to Greeley in 1951 and served much of its time as Engine 1 until it was replaced in 1956.

When Maloney saw the ad, the truck had two things going for it: its ties to Greeley, a department Maloney has served for 26 years, and its almost uncanny resemblance to another fire truck that was captured in a 1950s newspaper photograph showing a white pumper from Pueblo, Colorado, that happened to catch fire. In the faded black-and-white image, two firefighters work to put out the flames, one of them being his father, Jack. “I’ve always been fond of historic fire trucks, especially this era, because it was a time when my dad served as a fireman.”

Jack Maloney was more than just a fire engineer. He was a vehicle magnet, collecting and refinishing antique cars and vintage motorcycles. First, there was a 1951 Aerial Square 4. Then came a hot Jaguar with a sun roof, followed by a 1928 Packard limousine. After that, a 1931 Cadillac, two Indians, a

Read more
  • 332
  • 0
  • Article rating: No rating
Posted: Mar 1, 2019

South King Fire selects new chief

After nearly eight hours of interviews and deliberation, South King Fire and Rescue’s Board of Fire Commissioners offered the position of fire chief to current Assistant Chief Vic Pennington on Tuesday evening. Pennington, who is currently the deputy mayor of the city of Des Moines, brings more than 44 years of experience in the fire service, with the last 12 served with SKFR.
- PUB DATE: 3/1/2019 4:01:50 AM - SOURCE: Federal Way Mirror
Read more
  • 320
  • 0
  • Article rating: No rating
Posted: Mar 1, 2019

Apparatus Purchasing: Front Directional Lights

1903FA_018-025

 

Apparatus Purchasing: Front Directional Lights

BY BILL ADAMS


Are forward-facing directional lights on custom cabs effective when responding at night? It’s doubtful it has been given serious thought. Lacking testing and substantiation, any answer to the question merely reflects individual observation and personal perception of what is, or is not, effective.

Personal opinions and viewpoints can’t be proven right or wrong. However, some are worth discussing. I believe the effectiveness of directional lights at night can be negated by headlight glare. And when flashing headlights are used as an optical warning light, directionals can be rendered useless. I have no scientific proof. Using a search engine for “fire trucks responding at night” generated more than six million hits. Searching for “fire trucks at night” generated more than 93 million hits. Reviewing many of the images and videos supports but doesn’t factually prove my viewpoint. I also believe the various types of directional lights (aka turn signals, directionals, and blinkers) and their physical locations can affect their effectiveness.

Custom cab and chassis manufacturers (OEMs) have standard types and sizes of turn signals, headlights, and lower-level warning lights. Most offer optional types and sizes as well as locations for them. It is unknown if vendors voluntarily inform prospective purchasers of them. They should. Some apparatus purchasing committees (APCs) give little thought to directional lights when writing purchasing specifications. Perhaps they should too. Many rely on the verbiage preferred OEMs suggest. The easy way out, possibly less expensive, isn’t necessarily the best way. I wonder what reasons end users have for purchasing the various light configurations shown in the accompanying photos.

A common arrangement on traditionally styled cabs is a quad-light configuration consisting of dual headlights, a directional, and a warning light on each side. Generic purchasing specifications can be as vague as, “A turn signal and warning light shall be installed above dual headlights on each side.” That’s a lousy specification. It could be more detailed—if it matters. Types, sizes, and manufacturers of lights and lamps and their locations could be specified—again, if it matters. Not all OEMs provide a single fixture to house the lights (photos 1-4). Multiple bezels allow flexibility in mounting locations.

If OEMs offer multiple locations for directional lights because one works “better” than another, perhaps they should inform the fire service. If fire departments specify directional light locations because of proven performance, they also could share their knowledge.

A common configuration of a warning light and directional above dual headlights.

Various configurations on Spartan cabs featuring single bezels housing four lights. 1 A common configuration of a warning light and directional above dual headlights. (Photos 1-3 courtesy of Allan Smith.)

Read more
  • 352
  • 0
  • Article rating: No rating
Posted: Mar 1, 2019

Apparatus Purchasing: Front Directional Lights

1903FA_018-025

 

Apparatus Purchasing: Front Directional Lights

BY BILL ADAMS


Are forward-facing directional lights on custom cabs effective when responding at night? It’s doubtful it has been given serious thought. Lacking testing and substantiation, any answer to the question merely reflects individual observation and personal perception of what is, or is not, effective.

Personal opinions and viewpoints can’t be proven right or wrong. However, some are worth discussing. I believe the effectiveness of directional lights at night can be negated by headlight glare. And when flashing headlights are used as an optical warning light, directionals can be rendered useless. I have no scientific proof. Using a search engine for “fire trucks responding at night” generated more than six million hits. Searching for “fire trucks at night” generated more than 93 million hits. Reviewing many of the images and videos supports but doesn’t factually prove my viewpoint. I also believe the various types of directional lights (aka turn signals, directionals, and blinkers) and their physical locations can affect their effectiveness.

Custom cab and chassis manufacturers (OEMs) have standard types and sizes of turn signals, headlights, and lower-level warning lights. Most offer optional types and sizes as well as locations for them. It is unknown if vendors voluntarily inform prospective purchasers of them. They should. Some apparatus purchasing committees (APCs) give little thought to directional lights when writing purchasing specifications. Perhaps they should too. Many rely on the verbiage preferred OEMs suggest. The easy way out, possibly less expensive, isn’t necessarily the best way. I wonder what reasons end users have for purchasing the various light configurations shown in the accompanying photos.

A common arrangement on traditionally styled cabs is a quad-light configuration consisting of dual headlights, a directional, and a warning light on each side. Generic purchasing specifications can be as vague as, “A turn signal and warning light shall be installed above dual headlights on each side.” That’s a lousy specification. It could be more detailed—if it matters. Types, sizes, and manufacturers of lights and lamps and their locations could be specified—again, if it matters. Not all OEMs provide a single fixture to house the lights (photos 1-4). Multiple bezels allow flexibility in mounting locations.

If OEMs offer multiple locations for directional lights because one works “better” than another, perhaps they should inform the fire service. If fire departments specify directional light locations because of proven performance, they also could share their knowledge.

A common configuration of a warning light and directional above dual headlights.

Various configurations on Spartan cabs featuring single bezels housing four lights. 1 A common configuration of a warning light and directional above dual headlights. (Photos 1-3 courtesy of Allan Smith.)

Read more
  • 372
  • 0
  • Article rating: No rating
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire Launches Partnership with NVFC
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire Launches Partnership with NVFC
Posted: Mar 1, 2019

Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire Launches Partnership with NVFC

Jack Daniels fire truck

To celebrate and support the nearly 70 percent of firefighters who volunteer their service, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire has announced a partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). A donation of $75,000 will be made by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire to the NVFC to help support volunteer firefighters nationwide.

The NVFC is a nonprofit membership association representing the interests of volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services. The organization serves as an advocate for the volunteer on the national level and provides needed programs and resources to first responders addressing critical needs such as safety, health, recruitment, retention, training, funding and more.

“There are over 800,000 firefighters across the country who volunteer to serve and protect their communities, and we work to make sure these heroes have the tools and resources they need to thrive,” said NVFC Chair Kevin D. Quinn. “Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire shares our passion for and dedication to the fire service, and we are excited to partner with them to give back to our boots-on-the ground.”

The Jack Daniel Distillery is one of the only distilleries which has its own fire brigade, staffed by 34 distillery workers who volunteer their time to protect the distillery and the Tennessee Whiskey they work so hard to create.

“I know first-hand the amount of courage and skill required to serve as a firefighter. I also know that those who volunteer to protect their communities need a great deal of support to do so safely and effectively,” said Fred Elliott, Fire and Security Specialist at the Jack Daniel Distillery. “As a member of the Jack Daniel’s Fire Brigade for more than 14 years, I’m proud to be a part of this important community while also working for a company that champions it. Firefighters are an integral part of the Jack Daniel’s story, from those who help us make our whiskey to those who work to protect it, and we are honored to be able to give back through this partnership with the NVFC.”

In addition to the fundraising efforts, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire will also launch a contest for 50 firefighters to win a trip to the Jack Daniel Distillery to attend a concert featuring country artist Chase Rice. The intimate weekend will include a Jack Daniel Distillery Tour, a behind-the-scenes look at the Jack Daniel’s Fire Brigade, and the private concert. Additionally, one lucky consumer and a guest will have the chance to meet these heroes and join them in their celebratory weekend through a separate sweepstakes which opens March 18.

“I have the utmost respect for our first responders and all they sacrifice for our safety,” shared Chase Rice. “There’s a camaraderie and a sense of pride in the fire brigade that reminds me of our road family, and as a long-time fan of both Jack Daniel’s and Tennessee Fire, it’s an honor to perform for them and raise a glass to their immense contributions.”

To enter the sweepstakes or support the cause, visit jackfire.com.

RELATED

Apply Now for New Turnouts through MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway Program

Planning a Training Program

Emergency Reporting Teams Up with National Volunteer Fire Council to Rel

Read more
  • 537
  • 0
  • Article rating: No rating
RSS
First41174118411941204122412441254126Last

Theme picker

Filter News Catagories

Search News Articles

Terms Of Use | Privacy Statement - Copyright 2025 by Washington Fire Chiefs