FDNY and NYC Firehouses and Fire Companies

[memory master]

If you were sitting in the "old man's seat" behind the cab, directly in front of you was a compartment which stretched the width of the rig and companies kept the "Scott-Paks" in the black cases within that compartment. I think the shovel may have been in there also.

 

[HCO]

Mand Library research shows the following regarding L173 apparatus (including 1966-1968):

L173 was organized on 12/2/66 with their first apparatus, a 1955 FWD 75 foot wooden tillered aerial with FDNY registration # 381, that was originally assigned to L121 on 5/20/55, then re-assigned to L137 on 4/12/60 and finally to L173 on 12/2/66. It was replaced at L173 on 3/23/72 by a 1968 ALF 100 foot metal tillered aerial with FDNY registration # 490, originally assigned to L28. That was actually the very last FDNY aerial with a three digit registration number. The next four FDNY ladder trucks were given the then new registration number series starting with AL6901, to designate a 1969 ALF ladder truck of 1969 (A for ALF, L for ladder and the four numbers to designate the year (1969) and the order in the series - these were 1969 100 foot tillers to L48, L38, L108 and L38 in this order (AL6901, AL6902, AL6903 and AL6905). AL6904 was a 1969 ALF 100 foot rearmount ladder originally assigned to TCU (Tactical Control Unit) 732. The only other 1969 ladder truck was SL6906, a 1969 Seagrave 100 foot rearmount assigned to L27-2 (the second section of L27). There were also four 1969 75 foot tower ladders. These were Macks with a Baker hoist and Eaton booms assigned to L119, L44, L14, and L105 with FDNY registration numbers MT6901, MT6902, MT6903, and MT6904 in that order. The M indicated a Mack with the T being a tower ladder.

 

[mack]

If you were sitting in the "old man's seat" behind the cab, directly in front of you was a compartment which stretched the with of the rig and companies kept the "Scott-Paks" in the black cases within that compartment. I think the shovel may have been in there also.

1959 Ward LaFrance FireBrand ad with 7 FF cab design:

   

 

[guitarman314]

Mand Library research shows the following regarding L173 apparatus (including 1966-1968):

L173 was organized on 12/2/66 with their first apparatus, a 1955 FWD 75 foot wooden tillered aerial with FDNY registration # 381, that was originally assigned to L121 on 5/20/55, then re-assigned to L137 on 4/12/60 and finally to L173 on 12/2/66. It was replaced at L173 on 3/23/72 by a 1968 ALF 100 foot metal tillered aerial with FDNY registration # 490, originally assigned to L28. That was actually the very last FDNY aerial with a three digit registration number. The next four FDNY ladder trucks were given the then new registration number series starting with AL6901, to designate a 1969 ALF ladder truck of 1969 (A for ALF, L for ladder and the four numbers to designate the year (1969) and the order in the series - these were 1969 100 foot tillers to L48, L38, L108 and L38 in this order (AL6901, AL6902, AL6903 and AL6905). AL6904 was a 1969 ALF 100 foot rearmount ladder originally assigned to TCU (Tactical Control Unit) 732. The only other 1969 ladder truck was SL6906, a 1969 Seagrave 100 foot rearmount assigned to L27-2 (the second section of L27). There were also four 1969 75 foot tower ladders. These were Macks with a Baker hoist and Eaton booms assigned to L119, L44, L14, and L105 with FDNY registration numbers MT6901, MT6902, MT6903, and MT6904 in that order. The M indicated a Mack with the T being a tower ladder.

  Thanks, so then that means L137 had to have had another rig between 12/2/66 and 1968 when they got L120's 1963 Seagrave #474. ???

 

[lucky]

I seem to remember that the Ward LaFrance was a wide apparatus and would not fit in some of the older quarters with narrow doors.

 

[mack]

1960 Ward LaFrance FireBrand 1000 GPM pumpers were assigned to the following companies:

E 240,E 42, E 311, E 163, E 46, E 40, E 288, E 82, E 249, E 159, E 204, E 209, E 272, E 216, E 331, E 217, E 217-2, E 5, E 220, E 226, E 157, E 235, E 164, E 260, E 278, E 297, E 298, E 325, E 94, SQ 2

Note - There were 16 FireBrand pumpers assigned and then reassigned to various companies during their periods of service. 


Some FDNY companies with FireBrand pumpers:

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

 

[HCO]

Further research info from the Mand Library re L137:
L137 was assigned registration # 322 on 12/1/66. This was a 1937 Seagrave 85 foot wooden tiller that was originally assigned to L27 on 5/3/37 and served there until 4/17/56 when replaced by a 1956 ALF 85 foot metal aerial. After that it was used as a spare for many years until going to L137 on 12/1/66. It was pulled, later in its career, by a 1948 Ward La France military style tractor. It still carried the FDNY registration # of 322, even though the tractor carried the number 1843 in a special series of registration numbers. A total of twenty of those 1948 WLF tractors went into service in 1948, with nineteen originally pulling older tillered wooden aerials and one attached to the 1898 Hale water tower of Water Tower 1 They were preceded by twenty similar, but not identical, WLF tractors in 1947. The only visual difference was the 1947s having a large single spotlight mounted on the windshield. The 1948 had two smaller spotlights mounted, one each, on each side of the windshield. Nineteen of the 1947 WLF tractors also were originally attached to older wooden tillers, with one attached to the 1904 Hale water tower of Water Tower 2.

 

[guitarman314]

Further research info from the Mand Library re L137:
L137 was assigned registration # 322 on 12/1/66. This was a 1937 Seagrave 85 foot wooden tiller that was originally assigned to L27 on 5/3/37 and served there until 4/17/56 when replaced by a 1956 ALF 85 foot metal aerial. After that it was used as a spare for many years until going to L137 on 12/1/66. It was pulled, later in its career, by a 1948 Ward La France military style tractor. It still carried the FDNY registration # of 322, even though the tractor carried the number 1843 in a special series of registration numbers. A total of twenty of those 1948 WLF tractors went into service in 1948, with nineteen originally pulling older tillered wooden aerials and one attached to the 1898 Hale water tower of Water Tower 1 They were preceded by twenty similar, but not identical, WLF tractors in 1947. The only visual difference was the 1947s having a large single spotlight mounted on the windshield. The 1948 had two smaller spotlights mounted, one each, on each side of the windshield. Nineteen of the 1947 WLF tractors also were originally attached to older wooden tillers, with one attached to the 1904 Hale water tower of Water Tower 2.

  Thanks HCO, that answered my question.

 

[guitarman314]

1960 Ward LaFrance FireBrand 1000 GPM pumpers were assigned to the following companies:

E 240,E 42, E 311, E 163, E 46, E 40, E 288, E 82, E 249, E 159, E 204, E 209, E 272, E 216, E 331, E 217, E 217-2, E 5, E 220, E 226, E 157, E 235, E 164, E 260, E 278, E 297, E 298, E 325, E 94, SQ 2

Note - There were 16 FireBrand pumpers assigned and then reassigned to various companies during their periods of service. 


Some FDNY companies with FireBrand pumpers:

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  I believe there was a typo error in the WLF book:  E40, not 240 had #5925 1960 WLF E240 was running with a 1953 WLF #3301 until 1970.

 

[mack]

1960 Ward LaFrance FireBrand 1000 GPM pumpers were assigned to the following companies:

E 240,E 42, E 311, E 163, E 46, E 40, E 288, E 82, E 249, E 159, E 204, E 209, E 272, E 216, E 331, E 217, E 217-2, E 5, E 220, E 226, E 157, E 235, E 164, E 260, E 278, E 297, E 298, E 325, E 94, SQ 2

Note - There were 16 FireBrand pumpers assigned and then reassigned to various companies during their periods of service. 


Some FDNY companies with FireBrand pumpers:

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  I believe there was a typo error in the WLF book:  E40, not 240 had #5925 1960 WLF E240 was running with a 1953 WLF #3301 until 1970.

Thanks Gman.  You are probably correct.  I could not find anything which indicates E 240 was assigned a WLF FireBrand.  Also, thanks to HCO for amazing apparatus research. 

 

[memory master]

When did 272 have a "Firebrand?" I seem to remember an open cab Ward and then a Mack CF rig.

 

[mack]

I seem to remember that the Ward LaFrance was a wide apparatus and would not fit in some of the older quarters with narrow doors.

Lucky - I could not find specifications for WLF FireBrand dimensions.  They do appear to be wider-looking and shorter than other pumpers by appearance. 

WLF History:

    Ward LaFrance Truck Company (1916-1979) was founded in Elmira Heights, NY, by Addison Ward LaFrance.  He started the company after working for his father and uncle as an engineer at American LaFrance Fire Engine Company (ALF), operational from 1904 to 2014, another famous fire apparatus manufacturing company.  His father purchased a car dealership for him as a reward for developing a successful spring-raised aerial ladder system for ALF.  Ownership of a car dealership, high demand for motorized fire apparatus to replace horse-drawn units and his interest and experience in fire apparatus led Addison to found his own very successful truck manufacturing company - LaFrance Truck Manufacturing Company - in 1916.

    The name conflict, "American LaFrance" vs. "LaFrance", was confusing, even though both companies were very successful and highly thought of.  At a joint meeting, Addison Ward LaFrance agreed to rename his company "Ward LaFrance" to reduce confusion.  FDNY and other fire departments purchased many WLF and ALF engines, trucks and special units for many decades until they went out of business.

    The FireBrand featured full width cab with seating for seven and was available as an open or canopy cab (e.g. - FDNY) model. Technically the FireBrand was a cab-over, not a cab forward. The engine was located between the driver and the officer as is common now. The balance of the crew could sit on a bench seat in the rear of the cab.

    The largest orders for FireBrand pumpers were the 16 that were delivered to FDNY in 1960 and five to Washington DC. The Washington DC units were unique in that they had International grills even though they had Waukesha engines.

    Production of the FireBrand was limited and short lived. Only about 100 were made.  Ward LaFrance introduced the distinctive and famous Ambassador cab-forward pumper just three years later. The Ambassador replaced the FireBrand in the product line. The Ambassador is best known as Engine 51 of "Emergency!" television fame.

    Ward LaFrance Truck Corporation of Elmira Heights, New York, was a leader in the fire apparatus manufacturing industry from 1916 to 1979. In 1975 the holding corporation that owned Ward LaFrance purchased the venerable Massachusetts fire apparatus manufacturer Maxim and consolidated the production of the two companies. In mid-1979 Ward LaFrance closed down.

    https://myntransportblog.com/tag/ward-lafrance-truck-corporation/
    https://www.wardlafrance.com/
    http://www.fireengineering.com/articles/2014/02/farewell-to-american-lafrance.html
   

Ward LaFrance FDNY:

   

   

   

   


ALF Ambassador-series pumper - LACFD "Emergency" Engine 51:

   

 

[mack]

Squad 4  Firehouses  107 Watkins Street, 214 Bristol Street and 885 Howard Avenue  Brownsville, Brooklyn  15th Division, 44th Battalion                                                                                                                    DISBANDED

    Squad 4 organized 107 Watkins Street at Engine 231                                1955
    Squad 4 moved 214 Bristol Street at Engine 283                                        1956
    Squad 4 moved 885 Howard Avenue at Engine 283                                  1973
    Squad 4 disbanded                                                                                  1975
    Squad 4 reorganized 885 Howard Avenue at Engine 283                              1975
    Squad 4 disbanded                                                                                  1976

Squad 4 organization ceremony, November 15, 1955, at Engine 231/Ladder 120/Battalion 44, 107 Watkins Street:

   

   

   


107 Watkins Street firehouse 1955-1956:

   

   


885 Howard Avenue 1974-1975, 1975-1976:

   


Squad 4 apparatus:

   

   

   


Squad 4 1970s:

   


Squad 4 Medal Award:

    LT William M. Healy, November 10, 1972  Holy Name Medal


Squad 4 LODD:

    FF Lorenzo Warlick, January 1, 1967

         

    RIP.  Never forget.


Squad 4 Runs and Workers:

              Year          Runs          Workers
          1955-1958    N/A              N/A                       
              1959        2272            468
              1960        2859            371
              1961        3362            314
              1962        4056            459
              1963          N/A              N/A
              1964        3651            539
              1965        6240            817
              1966        7483           1139
              1967        8623          1434
              1968        7866          2075
              1969        8277          2308
              1970        9791          3098
              1971        8952          2765
              1972        5965          2112
              1973        3958          1852
              1974        4332          2259
              1975        4686          2606
              1976          N/A            N/A    Disbanded     
             
Brownsville:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownsville,_Brooklyn

    http://theweeklynabe.com/2012/06/15/brownsville-brooklyn-and-the-curse-of-geography/

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/427842033323754969/?lp=true

 

[mack]

1955 Squads - WNYF 1955:

    "The primary purpose of the squad is to furnish added manpower whenever conditions at a fire or other emergency warrant:  such as stretching and operating hose lines, assisting on hose lines, replenishing manpower affected at fires, raising ladders, supplying additional self-contained breathing apparatus and cylinders or for conditions where the need for additional men is imperative."

 

[mack]

Brownsville - 50 years ago

Brooklyn 2nd Alarm  Box 2-2-1693 
Location - 643 Sackman Street 
Engine 255 (Flatbush) - apparent 1st arriving engine 


   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   


FDNY RUNS & WORKERS 1967:

   


FDNY LOCATIONS:   

   

SACKMAN STREET TODAY:

   

   

   

 

[mack]

Combined Fire Company 131  1974-1977  7219 Amboy Road Tottenville, Staten Island  8th Division*, 23rd Battalion  "The Combo"


   

   

   

   


Notes:

    - Organized during 1970s NYC fiscal crisis to save officer salaries
    - Concept was announced to improve coordinated attack at incidents and fires under one officer and enable better development of FFs in both engine and truck functions.  It was primarily an attempt to save money.
    - CFC 121, 1974-1975, (Engine 70/Ladder 52 City Island, Bronx) and CFC 151, 1974-1977, (Engine 311/Ladder 158 Springfield Gardens, Queens) were also organized CFCs 
    - CFC numbering:  first digit "1" for CFC designation; 2nd digit for boro ("2" Bronx,"3 Queens", "5" SI); 3rd didit was for unit organized in boro
    - FDNY had planned up to 10 CFCs 
    - CFCs responded as one unit to all incidents with both apparatus under command of one officer - a captain
    - Five captains in CFC replaced two captains and 6 lieutenants assigned to engine and ladder companies (one administrative captain assigned to each CFC) 
    - CFCs were assigned a 1000 GPM pumper and a 75 ft tower ladder
    - CFC unit always responded with both apparatus required utilizing both sections for minor incidents
    - CFC concept problems:  lack of control at fires and incidents; both sections responded to all incidents normally requiring one company; relocations and multiples were problems
    - Numerous engine, ladder and squad companies also disbanded in 1970s added to CFCs lack of assignment flexibility problem 
 
   
    * Division 8 was also disbanded in 1975.  Division 12 was relocated to Engine 242 (Bay Ridge, Brooklyn) to cover SI on multiples and special calls.

CFCs Runs and Workers:

                              CFC 121          CFC 131              CFC 151

          1975              108                  733                    2151

          1976                                      853                    2255

 

[grumpy grizzly]

"CFC's". So we saved some salaries but we ran the companies twice as much. Outstanding management decision.

 

[mack]

Combined Fire Company 151  1974-1977  145050 Springfield Blvd  Springfield Gardens, Queens


    Organized from Engine 311 and Ladder 158


   

   

   

 

[mack]

Combined Fire Company 121  1974-1975  169 Schofield St  City Island, Bronx

    Organized from Engine 70 and Ladder 53

         

         

         

 

[68jk09]

329 used to have the same '35 Ladder above the hose bed (as CFC 121) ...placed there by the Job after 171 was disbanded.