While we're on the subject of Clinton, why would anyone in the modern age have an open cab apparatus in Maryland or anywhere remotely north?

mjl

Location: Raleigh, NC

...the 1950s and 1960s rigs I understand, but something that looks closer to 1980s? That really *is* (or seems) unique.

Do present NFPA guidelines allows for open-cab anymore, anywhere?

mjl

Location: Raleigh, NC

Some towns here still allowed firefighters to ride the tailborad of an engine until recently... as for the open cab thing - tradition; and NFPA assert GUIDELINES to follow, what they decree is not law so I guess there is a little 'fudge the rule' factor

Prince George's County had a strong tradition of open cab apparatus well into the 70's. I believe E-252 was the last.Here are some others; http://www.riverdalevfd.com/files/SCAN0022.jpg
http://www.bv9fd.com/apparatus.html
http://www.cpvfd.org/history.php

Location: Md.

Los Angeles City Fire Department had open cab Ward LaFrances until about or near 1991.

Location: CA

El Paso Fire Department was still running open cabs in the reserve fleet up until the mid 90's. I remember responding on reserve aparatus and getting looks from the public like 'are these guys for real'.


Julius Gutierrez

Location: TX

Here's a link to Mike Martinelli's photos of my old dept on Long Island. They still have their 1966 open cab Mack in service:

http://fdnytrucks.com/files/html/otherstates/nassau/Baldwin.htm

It was first due at a job just last week.

They also have a 1951 Ahrens Fox in service as a 2nd out piece. I'm not saying it makes many runs, but it is still on the active rolls.

Mike takes great shots and I'm sure if you take the time to go through them, you'll find some other open cab models around.

Stay safe,

Tom

Many of the reasons for open cab apparatus vary from department to department. Some did it out of tradition, some because they thought it afforded a better unobstructed view for the driver and officer for size up and apparatus placement at incidents. My old volunteer company had ordered a new Mack C cab pumper in the mid 1960's with canopy cab nearly identical to what the career county companies were recieving. About a week after placing the order, they were respnding 2nd due on a dwelling. The career company with their brand new canopy cab mack passed the house, apparently not seeing the light smoke. My volunteer company responding with their 1954 open cab Mack B saw the smoke and was first in. At the next meeting, the membership voted to have the order for the new pumper altered so that it would be an open cab, since it was everyone's feeling that any fire apparatus with a roof was just a passing fad. My how times have changed...lol

Location: Baltimore