Fire Buffs promote the general welfare of the fire and rescue service and protect its heritage and history. Famous Fire Buffs through the years include New York Fire Surgeon Harry Archer, Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and - legend has it - President George Washington.


Tuesday, March 27, 2012

'AIRCRAFT CARRIER'

Before

After 

Springfield's original Rescue 1 was dubbed the "Aircraft Carrier" due to its size.

The unique rig started life as a 1966 Peter Pirsch Aerial 1 HC Tractor and was converted into a heavy rescue, still with maneuvered with the original tiller.

A new tractor was added at some point.

Based at Fire Station No. 1 in central Springfield, the hybrid was known for a bumpy ride - especially for the tillerman - as the removal of the aerial ladder lessened its weight. 

Before its conversion, the rig operated as Truck 6. It was retired in the 1990s and replaced with a rescue engine.

Photos courtesy of the Springfield Fire-Rescue Division.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

RADIO SIGNALS

Springfield Fire Division Radio Signals, circa in 1970s
FCC Call Sign KQD-688

Signal 1 - Telephone at once 
Signal 2 - Telephone ASAP 
Signal 3 - Working fire 
Signal 3A - Working fire can be handled with current assignment
Signal 4 - Single company can handle
Signal 4A - False alarm 
Signal 5 - Lights and siren
Signal 6 - No apparent fire 
Signal 7 - Stand by
Signal 8 - Returning out of service
Signal 9 - Returning in service
Signal 9A - Returning for gas/air 
Signal 9B - In service on scene
Signal 10 - Radio silence
Signal 11 - Police requested 
Signal 13 - Coroner requested
Signal 14 - Community Hospital
Signal 15 - Mercy Medical Center 
Signal 16 - Subject armed/dangerous
Signal 17 - Out at scene 
Signal 18 - Return to quarters 
Signal 19 - Out of car 
Signal 20 - Firefighter injured 
Signal 22 - Transmit second alarm
Signal 25 - Check fire station stove
Signal 27 - Request Box 27 Associates