| Over the course of the last year and a half, you may have seen this American LaFrance engine at our station or at special events in the area. For those of you who have lived in Glenside going back into the 1980s and 1990s, this engine may look familiar–as it should because it was originally our American LaFrance that served as engine 302 from 1981 until 1997.
We need your help. We are looking for local indoor storage options for this engine. Donated space is preferable, but we would certainly consider options with a modest rent. If you can help us or know of anywhere that we might be able to store the truck, please message us on Facebook or leave a voicemail at the station at 215-886-2373. Thank You!
A Brief History of Our 1981 American LaFrance Century
Weldon Fire Company- Glenside PA
Featured is a 1981 American LaFrance Century Pumper. This pumper and its twin were delivered new to Weldon Fire Company just over 41 years ago, and they served as Engine 302 and Engine 303 for the next 15 years. The pumper is equipped with a Detroit Diesel 8V-71 engine, 1,250-gpm pump, 750-gallon water tank and a 6-kW Generator. It was one of the first trucks that American LaFrance built using a Stainless Steel body.
Some of the notable fire alarms this pumper responded to were Stony’s IGA fire on Easton Road and Florey Lane in May 1991, the Glenside Bible church fire on Keswick Avenue in October 1992, and assisting Glenside Fire Company at a building fire at 1600 Church Road in the summer of 1992. The pumper was also featured in the American LaFrance Corporation’s display at the 1982 International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Conference at the Philadelphia Civic Center.
Weavertown Fire Company – Lebanon, PA
In 1997, Weldon Fire Company sold the American LaFrance pumpers as a pair to the Weavertown Fire Company in Lebanon, PA. Weavertown had an enclosure installed on the crew area and painted some parts of the truck with its trademark blue paint. For the next 10 years, the pumpers served as Engine 28 and Engine 28-1 and were very well cared for.
Dr. John McNamara–Roanoke, VA
In 2007, The engines were sold as a pair to a collector of classic fire apparatus, Dr. John McNamara. Dr. McNamara owns and maintains older fire engines and ambulances and allows fire departments that struggle for funding to use them to protect their districts for no cost.
Upper Craig Creek Fire Department–Catawba, VA
After purchasing the engines, Dr. McNamara entered into an agreement with the Upper Craig Creek Volunteer Fire Department in Catawba, Virginia, to use the 1981 American LaFrance pumpers. So once again, the engines served together as a pair for 13 years as Engine 50 and Engine 53. The pumpers saw very light use an, again, were very well maintained.
Here is a link to a video of then Engine 50 at a church fire in New Castle Virginia in 2009. https://youtu.be/FhZLsXovaXI?t=60
Virginia Fire Museum- Roanoke, VA
In the fall of 2020 the Upper Craig Creek Fire company bought newer trucks, and Dr. McNamara moved the pumpers to the Virginia Fire Museum located in Roanoke, VA.
Return to Weldon Fire Company- Glenside PA
In the Spring of 2021, a Weldon Fire Company member reached out to Dr. McNamara and asked if Weldon could lease one of the American LaFrance pumpers while awaiting the delivery of its new twin Pierce pumpers. Dr. McNamara graciously allowed Weldon to use the pumper at no charge. And, Engine 302 once again served the Weldon Fire District. While at Weldon’s station, Dr. McNamara agreed to allow Weldon to return the truck to its original appearance by removing the cab enclosure and applying Weldon’s hand painted gold leaf lettering. The truck is in excellent original condition, and Weldon is very fortunate to use this piece of its company history.
In December 2021, Weldon took delivery of new twin Pierce pumpers, serving as Engine 302 and Engine 303. Weldon has been allowed to hold onto the 1981 American LaFrance pumper, using it primarily for Parades, Funerals, Block Parties, Fire Prevention and Santa Deliveries.
Dr. McNamara has agreed to allow Weldon to continue to hold onto the truck assuming it can maintain it and continue to restore it to its original appearance. One of the stipulations is that the vehicle must be stored inside. Weldon has been fortunate to have secured storage over the last year by quartering the truck at neighboring fire companies, but now needs to find a local, longer term storage option. If someone in the community has or knows of a garage or building with space to donate or rent, please let Weldon know. Thank You! |
