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