by Mike Sanders   mnsand@visuallink.com

A photograph apparatus roster of Loudoun County, Virginia. Most current apparatus are included as well as a variety of trucks no longer in service or now serving other departments. This gallery is a nice addition to the book “Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Apparatus History”, by Mike Sanders and published by Arcadia Publishing.

It is a digital photo apparatus roster from Loudoun – most in service units, recently left units, and serving at other fire departments outside of Loudoun.

Here is the link. Check it out

by Mike Sanders   mnsand@visuallink.com

Any idea what Virginia department runs the longest ladder in terms of aerial or platform length?  The size of the aerial ladder on Virginia’s trucks/platforms come in a variety of sizes.  55′, 75′, 100′, 105′, 110′, and other sizes all make up ladder trucks across the Commonwealth.

Berryville, Virginia Truck 1, the 1984/1997 Emergency One Hurricane 135’ that was previously Truck 10 in Fairfax County. “Longest Stick In The Valley”.

In 1983, E-One began production of the StratoSpear 135 foot aerial ladder, which became the tallest ladder available in America.  It was a five-section ladder with a 200 pound tip load and at the time had the same jack spread as E-One’s 95 foot platform.  A pre-piped waterway was also available at the tip of the fourth fly section.

Fairfax County Truck 10 – a 1984 Emergency One Hurricane 135’. Photographed in 1987 at Bailey’s Cross Roads Station 10.

In 1984, E-One introduced its Hurricane custom chassis, which became popular with a wide variety of Virginia fire departments.  Also in 1984, Fairfax County purchased two 135′ rear mount ladder trucks which were built by E-One on the Hurricane chassis.  Both were built one after the other at the E-One plant, with one assigned E-One serial number 3520 and the other serial number 3521.  These two ladder trucks were assigned to areas with taller buildings in Fairfax County.  Serial number 3520 went to Truck 10 at the Bailey’s Cross Roads station and Truck 29 in Tyson’s Corner received serial number 3521.

Fairfax County Truck 29 from Tysons Corner. This 1984 Emergency One Hurricane 135’ was rebuilt in 1996 by Emergency One to include a four door cab. Truck 10 had a similar rehab. Photographed in 1996 at Fire Station 29 in Tysons Corner.

Some other information you might find interesting regarding Fairfax County’s two 135′:

• The two Fairfax County 135′ were the fourth and fifth 135 foot ladders built by E-One.
• Fairfax County was the only jurisdiction at the time to have two 135 foot ladders in service.
• The aerial’s were prepiped to the 110′ level and equipped with 1000gpm nozzles.
• Both trucks had unique windows in the cab roof above the driver and officer positions.  These windows allowed the officer and driver to view the upper floors when arriving on the scene.  The windows could also be covered with a panel to keep out sunlight.

Both Fairfax County ladder trucks went through an extensive rebuild to further their service life.  In 1996, Truck 29 was returned to E-One for work which included the addition of a four door cab.  In 1997, Truck 10 from Bailey’s Cross Roads had similar work completed.  Truck 29 was removed from service in Fairfax County around 2003.  I do not know where this truck ended up once leaving Fairfax County.

Schaumburg, Illinois Truck 1, a 1990 Emergency One Hush 135’ painted in the traditional black over red in the Chicago area. This ladder truck was later obtained by Namozine, Virginia. Photo courtesy of Bill Friedrich.

Truck 10, on the other hand, joined the apparatus roster of the John H. Enders Fire Company in Berryville, Virginia.  Fairfax County sold the 1984/1997 E-One Hurricane 135′ to Berryville in 2002, and today it continues to provide protection to Berryville and the surrounding Clarke County area.  As depicted on the front cab, it is definitely the “Longest Stick In The Valley”.

Namozine, Virginia in Dinwiddie County currently operates the old 1990 E-One 135’ from Schaumburg, IL and had it repainted to their department colors of red and white. Photographed in 2008 behind the Namozine fire station.

Across the country in the Chicago suburb of Schaumburg, Illinois a 1990 E-One Hush 135′ rear mount was delivered.  Painted in the traditional black over red that a variety of departments in the Chicago area had adopted (after the Chicago FD), this E-One ladder was assigned serial number 8006.  In approximately 2002, Schaumburg sold their 135′ ladder truck and it was obtained by the Namozine VFD located in Dinwiddie County, not far from Richmond.  The E-One was repainted in red and white and today serves as Truck 4 for Namozine.

So Berryville and Namozine take the honors.  I believe these two 135′ ladder trucks are the “longest” aerials in the state of Virginia.  Am I correct?  Please comment to this article or email me with additional information.

Apparatus Profile – Fairfax County Station 15 – Chantilly

By Mike Sanders

The Chantilly Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1947 and prior to becoming an “official” station of Fairfax County, was sponsored by the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department.  Located just off of Route 50 in the Chantilly area and close to Washington Dulles International Airport, the original apparatus was painted red, followed by white, and then a return to red and white when volunteer operations were turned over to the county in 1971.

A handful of years after being established, Chantilly’s apparatus were painted white. This is an impressive 1951 Ford Big Job built by American and equipped with a 500/500.

Station 15 has always run an engine company and EMS unit (ambulance/medic).  Early engines purchased by the volunteers were built on commercial cabs, including International’s and a Ford Big Job.  Fairfax County has assigned a variety of engines to Chantilly, including an American LaFrance, Seagrave’s, Duplex/3D Metal, and E-Ones.  At one time, an E-One equipped with a 54’ Squrt was assigned as Engine 15.

Chantilly’s first ladder truck, a county owned 1964 Seagrave 85’ midship equipped with a 300 gpm pump and a 150 gallon water tank. This Seagrave was assigned to Station 15 in 1975.

In addition to the engine’s assigned to Station 15, brush trucks, specialty units, and also ladder trucks have been a part of the apparatus roster at Chantilly.  Ladder trucks first ran at Chantilly in 1975 when Fairfax County assigned a 1964 Seagrave 85’ midship as Truck 15.  Ladder truck operations ended at Chantilly in 1986 when Truck 15 was transferred to Station 21 (Fair Oaks).  However, in late 1989, Truck 15 was re-established, only to transfer yet again in 1995 when Truck 38 in West Centreville was established.

Today, Engine 415 is a 2010 Pierce Velocity 1250/750/40.

Today, Station 15 operates an engine company, medic unit, brush truck, a mass casualty support unit, and a gator unit.  Engine 15 is a newer 2010 Pierce Velocity equipped with a 1250gpm pump, 750 gallons of water, and 40 gallons of foam.  Fairfax County operates numerous Freightliner M2 monster medic units.  Medic 415 is a 2006 model built by American LaFrance (Medic Master).  Brush 415 is a 2003 Ford F350 equipped with a 250 gpm pump and carries 150 gallons of water.  Finally, Mass Casualty Support Unit 415 is a 2004 GMC/Mickey Truck Bodies.

Brush 415 – a 2003 Ford F350 equipped with a 250/150.

I found myself in Chantilly recently for work and had an opportunity to visit the station.  It has been a number of years since I have had that opportunity.  My thanks to the shift working on June 15^th for their time and effort moving the apparatus for photographs.

Mass Casualty Support Unit 415 is assigned this 2004 GMC/Mickey Truck Bodies.

New Deliveries and Apparatus Roster – Reynolds Store Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company

By Mike Sanders

Station 20 in Frederick County, Virginia is the Reynolds Store Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company.  Located on Rt. 522, Station 20 is approximately midway between Winchester, Virginia and Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.  The department has recently added three trucks to their apparatus roster.

Tanker 20 is a 2010 KenWorth T300 built by Southern Fire in 2011

The old part of the station

Reynolds Store Fire Station

Tanker 20 is a much needed addition to the fleet since Reynolds Store is in a rural area and bringing water to an incident was handled by the department’s engine and rescue engine with tanker support covered by other stations.  The tanker arrived at Reynolds Store at the very end of April, just in time to participate in the annual Apple Blossom firefighter’s parade in Winchester.  Tanker 20 is a 2010 KenWorth T300 built by Southern Fire in 2011.  It is equipped with a 1,000 gallon per minute pump and carries 3,070 gallons of water.  The goal of the department is to get the tanker into service as soon as possible and eventually additional equipment like ladders, etc. will be added as well as additional graphics.

Ambulance 20-2 is a 2010 Ford F450 built by Horton and painted in the departments new EMS colors of white with a blue stripe.

Ambulance 20-2 is a 2010 Ford F450 built by Horton and painted in the departments new EMS colors of white with a blue stripe.

A new ambulance was also placed into service as Ambulance 20-2, and was just an award winner at Apple Blossom.  20-2 is a 2010 Ford F450 built by Horton and painted in the departments new EMS colors of white with a blue stripe.  It replaces a 1993 Ford E350/Excellance, which is currently for sale.

The ingenuity of the Reynolds Store volunteers was shown with the addition of Special Unit 20 to the fleet.  Seeing the need for a back-up brush truck and utility vehicle, the department completed work on a 1978 Ford Bronco and equipped it with a small brush package in the back.  It carries 110 gallons of water.  Special Unit 20 is a support piece for brush fires and a good inclement weather vehicle.  Work was completed on the Bronco in 2011.

Special Unit 20 - 1978 Ford Bronco

Special Unit 20 - 1978 Ford Bronco

Reynolds Store operates the following apparatus in addition to the “new” apparatus above:

Engine 20 1995 Pierce Quantum equipped with a 1250/1000. It was once a Daytona International Speedway fire truck.

Rescue Engine 20 A large 2003 Pierce Quantum rescue engine that is equipped with a 1000 gpm pump and carries 400 gallons of water.

Brush 20-1 1953 Dodge M37 ex-military truck equipped with a 250/200. Years ago the department purchased this and a similar trucks for parts.

Brush 20-2 1992 AM General/2000 Keplinger/FD equipped with a 650 gpm pump and carries 1,000 gallons of water. This was also a ex-military truck.

Amb/Medic 20-1 1999 Chevrolet 3500 built by Excellance.

Amb/Medic 20-2 For Sale – 1993 Ford E350 built by Excellance.

SERV 20 1998 Ford Crown Victoria (ex-Frederick County Sheriff’s Department).

My thanks to Chief J.J. Miller for his assistance with information for this article.

Apparatus Profile – Round Hill Community – Frederick County

Visit Round Hill FD’s website here

By Mike Sanders – mnsand@visuallink.com

Engine 15 is this 2008 Pierce Dash 1500/1000/40. It replaced Wagon 15, a 1987 Pierce Arrow that was just recently sold to a department in West Virginia.

Don’t get confused…..there are two “Round Hill’s” located close to each other and the two departments are often mixed up.  They are approximately 30 miles apart.  There is a Round Hill in Loudoun County which is Station 4.  There is also the Round Hill Community located just outside of Winchester in Frederick County.  This Round Hill is Station 15 in Frederick County, and the station I will provide an apparatus profile.  I plan on doing an apparatus profile on Loudoun’s Round Hill in the future.

Rescue Engine 15 is a 1996 Pierce Arrow 1250/500/40 that was rehabbed in 2009 by Singer Associates.

Wagon 15, a 1987 Pierce Arrow that was just recently sold to a department in West Virginia.

The Round Hill Community Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was organized and started during 1953 after two large fires occurred within the community.  As with many communities, a group of citizens saw the need for a fire department and began the work.  In October of 1953, the department was issued a charter from the State of Virginia and the company purchased a 1953 pick-up truck and had installed on it a 235 gallon water tank, a small portable pump, and carried 150 feet of 1 ½ inch hose.  The “station” was a small garage that was used to house the 1953 pick-up, located just east of the current station.  The current Round Hill Community Fire Station 15 was built in 1957 and is located just off of Northwestern Pike (Route 50) not far from the Winchester city limits.

A Winchester and Western train crosses the front apron of Fire Station 15 in Round Hill.

During the 1980’s, the department started a first responder program.  For six years, the department ran an ambulance as a satellite station for the Winchester Volunteer Rescue Squad.  In the 1990’s, Round Hill purchased their own ambulance.  On the fire side, a mixture of commercial fire engines and a tanker served the community.  In my opinion, one of the nicest and more unusual trucks to serve Round Hill was a 1967 Ford C/Young 750 gpm pumper that once ran from the Sara Zane VFC in Winchester.  An open cab Ford model C was very unusual, and not many were made.  After service at Round Hill, the Ford C/Young was purchased locally and re-lettered to its original Sara Zane.  It can still be seen at shows throughout the area.

A beautiful 1967 Ford C/Young 750/500 once served at Round Hill. It previously was owned by the Sara Zane VFC in Winchester and today is privately owned in the area. Special thanks to Tom Shand for use of his photograph.

Today, Round Hill operates an engine, rescue engine, brush truck, two ambulances, and a variety of support units.  Engine 15 is a sharp 2008 Pierce Dash equipped with a 1500 gpm pump, 1000 gallons of water, and 40 gallons of foam.  It replaced a 1987 Pierce Arrow (Wagon 15) which has been recently sold to the Upper Tract VFD in West Virginia.  Rescue Engine 15 is a 1996 Pierce Arrow equipped with a 1250/500/40.  In 2009, this Rescue Engine received an extensive overall by Singer.  It is first out on all auto accidents and is equipped with extrication equipment, air bags, struts, light tower, cascade system, as well as other equipment.

Chief/Command 15 is a former O.W.L. (Woodbridge) unit – 2001 Ford Expedition.

SERV 15 is a former McLean, VA unit – 1992 Chevrolet Suburban

Brush and wild land fires are handled by Attack 15, a 2003 Ford F550 4×4 built by Firematic BRAT and equipped with a 350/400/15.  Primarily used for brush fires, Attack 15 can also gain access to off road water sources to assist the engine companies.

Attack 15 is this 2003 Ford F550 4x4/Firematic BRAT equipped with a 350/400/15.

Two ambulances built by PL Custom are on the Round Hill Community roster.  15-1 is a 2003 Ford F450 and 15-2 is a 2000 Ford F350 model.  Finally, support equipment include Chief/Command 15 and SERV 15.  Chief 15’s buggy is a 2001 Ford Expedition that was once operated by the O.W.L. VFD in Woodbridge, Virginia.  SERV 15 is a 1992 Chevrolet Suburban once operated by McLean, Virginia in Fairfax County.  Both of these trucks were repainted and re-lettered/striped by Chief 15.

Ambulance/Medic 15-1 and 15-2 were both built by PL Custom. 15-1 is a 2003 Ford F450 and 15-2 is a 2000 Ford F350.

A couple of observations regarding the Round Hill Community VFD.  First, I found it very interesting that the Winchester & Western railroad tracks cross directly across the fire station apron.  Train traffic is very light and the trains are not long, so it has not presented problems.  Secondly, since I live close to the Round Hill Community, I have had the opportunity to see this department in action a number of times and have always been impressed with their operations.

Ambulance/Medic 15-1 and 15-2 were both built by PL Custom. 15-1 is a 2003 Ford F450 and 15-2 is a 2000 Ford F350.

A special thanks to Chief Chester Lauck, Assistant Chief Dave Plunkett, and the Frederick County career staff stationed at Round Hill for all of their assistance in moving apparatus around for photographs on a number of occasions.

Apparatus Profile – Sperryville, Virginia
by Mike Sanders

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains just below the entrance to Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah National Park is Sperryville, Virginia. The Sperryville VFD is Rappahannock County Station 2 and operates a unique apparatus fleet.

A very recent addition to the apparatus roster is a well designed “Attack 2″. Built on a 2010 International 4×4 by 4-Guys, this urban interface unit is equipped with a 1000 gallon per minute pump, 500 gallons of water, and 30 gallons of Class A foam. Other features of Attack 2 include a CAF’s system, pump and roll, a front bumper turret operated via a joystick in the cab, and an air operated hose bed cover. A booster reel with a 150′ is located on the officer side under the rear four door cab.

Attack 2 is designed for off road and inclement weather, as is Engine Tanker 2. This unique truck is a 2005 Spartan Gladiator 4×4 built by 4-Guys and delivered in 2006. It has a 1500 gallon per minute pump, holds 1500 gallons of water, and 30 gallons of foam. There are three 10″ electric dumps located on both sides and the rear.

Rescue Engine 2 was purchased from the Oceanside Fire District in Long Island, New York. It is a 2005 Pierce Lance equipped with a top mount 1500 gallon per minute pump and holds 500 gallons of water. Sperryville purchased the Pierce in 2007 and added a hose bed cover.

Brush fire duties are handled by Brush 2, a 1983 Ford F250/Reading/Crenshaw that was once owned by Hartwood VFD in Stafford County, Virginia. Last year, Sperryville purchased a 1988 skid mount equipped with 200 gallons of water and placed it on the 1983 Ford. This skid mount once belonged to Fairfax County, Virginia. In the near future, the department plans on placing another skid mount on a utility vehicle operated by Sperryville, a 1996 Ford F250 pick up that was originally owned by the OWL VFD in Prince William County, and then Dale City VFD in Prince William.

Still owned by Sperryville but not in active service is the former Brush 2, a beautiful 1970 Dodge Power Wagon with a Stahl body. The Stahl body was added in the mid 1980′s. Originally, the 1970 Dodge was joined to a very old fire truck body.

Rounding out the apparatus roster at Sperryville is a 2010 Ford F350 pick up truck that runs as Utility 2.

Chief Richie Burke was a tremendous resource to me in photographing the apparatus and gathering information on the trucks at Sperryville. The fire department operates an excellent web site. Check it out at www.sperryvillefire.com.

By Mike Sanders

HAZMAT 619 from Loudoun County recently received a graphics “makeover” in December of 2009 and looks great.

HAZMAT 619 is a 2004 Spartan Gladiator built by SVI out of Loveland, Colorado. The HAZMAT is housed at Fire Station 19 in South Riding, and responds across the county for HAZMAT incidents. When a HAZMAT call is dispatched, the crew from the engine company (Engine 619) takes the HAZMAT, the ambulance crew takes HAZMAT Support Unit 619 (a Ford E cargo van), and Tower 19 also responds for additional staffing.

Included in the graphics update were lettering and stripes.

A special thanks to Ray Muth and Brent Harne for taking the time to move HAZMAT 619 for photos.

Photos posted also include Engine 619 (2007 Spartan/Ferrara 1500/750) and Tower 619 (2007 Pierce Dash 95′).

Manassas Park Fire & Rescue Department – Apparatus Profile
By Mike Sanders

Engine 509 is a 2008 Pierce Enforcer and is one of two Pierce engines operated by Manassas Park. It was photographed at the 2008 Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, Virginia.

Manassas Park is an independent city boarded by the City of Manassas and Prince William County. The fire department is an all career fire and rescue system providing fire and EMS services around the clock. The department operates a three platoon system with a total shift strength of eight personnel. Each shift has a Lieutenant, Sergeant, two Fire-Medics, and four firefighters. Leading the Manassas Park Fire and Rescue Department is Chief John O’Neal. The Deputy Fire Chief is Todd Lupton who is in charge of operations and Mark Joyner is a Fire Marshal Lieutenant.

Over the last handful of years the department has built upon its apparatus roster. Operating from one station, the apparatus line up includes two engines, a quint, two medic units, and a variety of support vehicles.

The newest addition to the Manassas Park apparatus roster is Medic 509-B, a 2009 Ford F450 built by PL Custom. This medic unit is joined by Medic 509-A, a 2003 Ford F450 built by Wheeled Coach.

Engine company operations are handled by two Pierce engines. Engine 509 is a 2008 Pierce Enforcer equipped with a 1500 gallon per minute pump, 750 gallons of water, and 40 gallons of foam. Engine 509-B is another Pierce, a 1996 Pierce Quantum model. It is equipped with a 1500/500 and 40 gallons of foam. The 2008 Pierce Enforcer replaced another Pierce, a 1988 Arrow four door engine.

Quint 509 is a multi-functional unit and the departments first aerial. Equipped with a 100′ aerial tower, the 2004 Pierce Dash is also equipped with a 2000 gallon per minute pump, 370 gallons of water, and carries 30 gallons of foam.

Other equipment operated by Manassas Park include a HAZMAT Support Trailer, a 2001 Jeep for the Deputy Chief, and a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe for Chief 509. In addition, Utility 509 is a 1994 Ford F250 that was once a brush unit.

I have had the opportunity to photograph a variety of older equipment at Manassas Park. Two of my favorites include a 1971 Pirsch 1000/500 that ended up at Little Fork, Virginia after serving at Manassas Park and a beautiful open cab 1967 Seagrave 1000/500. An example of other interesting equipment once operated by Manassas Park include a early 1950′s open cab Ward LaFrance engine and a classic open cab 1950 Pirsch engine/squad 500/500 that originally served McLean, Virginia.

My thanks to Mark Baker who provided the photograph of the 1950 Pirsch and to Deputy Fire Chief Todd Lupton who provided information for this profile as well as the photograph of the departments newest medic unit, a 2009 Ford F450/P&L Custom.

Apparatus Profile (and a little history) – Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company
By Mike Sanders (More photos at the bottom of article)

Wagon 601 and Engine 601 are twin 2007 Seagrave Marauder II 2000/750/50/30.

Most apparatus enthusiasts have a “Top” list – our top favorites whether it be a certain type of fire truck, manufacturer, department, etc. A fire department that is in my “top” list is the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company in Loudoun County, Virginia. During the last several years, they have had an aggressive apparatus replacement plan. The results have been impressive and have included some of the nicest looking fire trucks that can be found. The following is a summary of the major apparatus that run from Fire Stations 1 and 20 in Leesburg.

Wagon 601 and Engine 601 are twin 2007 Seagrave Marauder II engines equipped with 2000 gallon per minute pumps, 750 gallon water tanks, and 80 gallons of foam. They are painted in a striking black over red. A nice touch to the Seagrave engines are the dedications they carry on the apparatus. Wagon 601 is dedicated to Hubert Welch, a lifetime member who passed away in 2006. Engine 601 is dedicated to the Leesburg members, past, present, and future.

Another black over red Seagrave on the Leesburg apparatus roster is Truck 601, another 2007 Marauder II model. Like the Seagrave engines, Truck 601 has a dedication to Tom Donohue. This 100′ tiller is equipped with plenty of equipment, including extrication tools stored on the front bumper. Leesburg has had a variety of ladder trucks over the years. To ready the department members for a new tiller, prior to the department taking delivery of the 2007 Seagrave, a 1988 Seagrave 100′ tiller was purchased used that once saw service in both Richmond, Virginia (its original home) and Washington D.C. In fact, the 1988 Seagrave tiller was the first Leesburg fire truck painted in black over red (unless you are including Jeep 601). I also had the unique opportunity to capture a piece of history at Leesburg by photographing all of the ladder trucks at Leesburg at the same time. This included the new 2007 Seagrave prior to entering service, the 1988 Seagrave tiller that was the departments training truck, and the then current Truck 1 which was a 1992 E-One 110′ rear mount. A fourth ladder truck was at Leesburg at this time and was a 2004 Seagrave Concorde 100′ rear mount that was a loaner from Seagrave that ran from Leesburg for about nine months. Other tillers were on the Leesburg roster in years past. Their first ladder truck was a 1938 Seagrave 75′ tiller purchased from Cambridge, Maryland. A 1973 Seagrave 100′ tiller replaced the 1938 model and eventually a second tiller (1971 American LaFrance 100′ tiller from Newark, Delaware) was purchased. Both the 1973 Seagrave and 1969 American LaFrance were later sold at the same time to Baltimore City, Maryland. And as an interesting side note, a collector from France purchased the 1969 American LaFrance after service at Baltimore. This writer has a photograph of the LaFrance in front of the Eiffel Tower!

Leesburg’s newest delivery is a beautiful 2009 Pierce Arrow XT 2500 gallon tanker that operates as Tanker 601. Equipped with a 2000 gallon per minute pump, this Pierce is well thought out and designed. In addition to its large water tank, Tanker 601 carries 200 gallons of foam. The fire department is responsible for protection at a nearby airport in Leesburg, which has seen a variety of emergency calls over the years. Prior to the arrival of the Pierce tanker, Leesburg ran two identical 2000 Spartan/Luverne 1250 gallon engine/tankers. With non hydrant areas within its first due and the airport, the Leesburg volunteers determined they needed a larger tanker designed to meet their needs.

The Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company also operates a variety of other apparatus including:

o Brush fire duties are handled by Jeep 601, a 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that was outfitted by RKO Enterprises that include a 60 gallon water tank.
o A 2004 National Foam Kidde-Fire foam trailer operates as Foam 601 and is equipped with two 275 gallon foam tanks.

Throughout its history Leesburg has operated apparatus built by Seagrave, Buffalo, American, American LaFrance, E-One, and others. History has been well preserved at Leesburg with a complete restoration of their original 1929 Seagrave 500/125 engine. Several other older Leesburg Seagrave fire trucks are privately owned within the Leesburg area. One of my favorites….a 1973 Seagrave 1250/750 that was rehabbed by Seagrave in 1988. This beautiful engine makes appearances at a variety of fire truck events.

If you are a fire apparatus buff and you are in the Leesburg area, plan on dropping by the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company…you will not be disappointed. It will probably make your “top” list.

By Mike Sanders

The Star Tannery Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department is Frederick County Station 17 and was organized in November of 1971 with the help of the Strasburg and Stephens City fire departments. The fire station has a unique history, with the buildings once being a poultry processing business. The apparatus bays and social hall are the two main buildings that make up the fire station. They are connected with a covered walkway, and a creek runs beneath the walkway. The apparatus bays have had additions throughout the years.

Star Tannery’s first engine was a 1939 Ford loaned to them by Strasburg. Since that time, the department has obtained a variety of unique apparatus from other stations. One of the more unusual fire trucks was a rare open cab Ford C built by Young with a 1000/500. Star Tannery purchased this engine from the Navy-Vale VFD in Fairfax County (now Fair Oaks Fire Station 421).

Today’s apparatus consist of two engines, a tanker, brush truck, ambulance, and a utility vehicle.

Wagon 17 is a 1993 Ford L9000 built by Marion and is equipped with a 1250 gallon per minute pump and carries 1200 gallons of water. Another Marion unit is Engine 17 and is a unique 2001 International 4×4 unit also equipped with a 1250 gpm pump and carries 750 gallons of water. Engine 17 carries a variety of specialized equipment.

Tanker 17 carries 1800 gallons of water and is a 1986 Ford L8000 built by FMC. Equipped with a 500 gallon per minute pump, the tanker is also equipped with a jet dump which allows for quick delivery of water. Two earlier tankers at Star Tannery that are no longer in service were a 1953 GMC equipped with a 1000 gallon tank and a 1964 Chevrolet 1500 gallon tanker that was obtained from the Shawnee FD in nearby Winchester.

Brush 17 is the newest truck on the roster and is a 2008 Ford F350 that was outfitted by LSI of Purcellville, Virginia. A 100/275 skid unit from the departments old 1981 Chevrolet brush truck was moved over to the Ford.

EMS care is provided by Ambulance 17-1, a 2005 Ford F450 with an ambulance body built by AEV. Early on, Station 17 provided “First Responder” service by obtaining ambulances from Strasburg and Purcellville rescue squads. These first responder units did not transport patients.

A 2002 Ford Crown Victoria was recently obtained from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Department and has been repainted to red and will be used as a utility vehicle for Star Tannery.

Star Tannery is the only fire station in Frederick County with no career staff and the station has approximately 30 members. Star Tannery is in a rural area of Frederick County and has a beautiful view of the mountains.

I would like to thank Billy Rudolph, Mike Nelson, Rosie Brill, Joan Johnson, and Ethan Johnson from Star Tannery for their help and support in arranging my visit, providing me information, and taking the time to move the apparatus around for photographs.

North Mountain Volunteer Fire and Rescue Apparatus Profile
by Mike Sanders

The North Mountain Volunteer fire and Rescue Squad is Station 19 in Frederick County, Virginia in an area called Mountain Falls. Organized in 1973, Station 19 is located in western Frederick County at the base of the Great North Mountain. A local farmer donated the land to build a station to the fire department and except for the addition of additional apparatus bays and a banquet hall, the original building remains the same.

The apparatus at North Mountain include two engines, an attack truck, brush unit, two ambulances, and a unique search and rescue team.

Wagon 19 and Engine 19 are both Freightliner’s built by Pierce. Wagon 19 is a 2000 Freightliner FL106 model equipped with a 1250 gallon per minute pump and carries 1000 gallons of water. Engine 19, which also has a 1250/1000, is a 1995 Freightliner 80 model. At one time, North Mountain operated a tanker truck. Wagon and Engine 19 now handle those duties with their 1000 gallon tanks and the department can call upon nearby tankers from other departments when needed.

A variety of Frederick County fire stations operate small mini pumpers designated as “attack” units. Attack 19 at North Mountain is a 1986 Ford F350 built by Pierce and equipped with a 400/250. Brush 19 once originally operated in Fairfax County, Virginia as Jeep 11 in Penn Daw and then later as Jeep 12 in Great Falls. Brush 19 is a 1985 Jeep Scrambler equipped with a 60 gallon per minute pump and carries 100 gallons of water. It was recently upgraded by the members at Station 19 and is designed to take a beating in the mountainous area.

North Mountain operated a first responder program until the late 80′s/early 90′s when they purchased their first ambulance. The department now operates two ambulances as 19-1 and 19-2. Ambulance 19-1 is a newer 2008 Ford F450 built by Horton and 19-2 is a 1994 Ford E350 also built by Horton.

The members at North Mountain operate a unique Search and Rescue Team (SAR). Organized in the early 1990′s, this team serves Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and other areas as needed. Two trucks consist of the SAR team. An unusual 1993 Ford B600 bus has been equipped as a Mobile Command Center for extended operations. This bus once served as a school bus for Loudoun County, Virginia. A support unit (1995 Ford F150 pick up truck) also operates as part of the SAR team and came from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Department.

Rounding out the apparatus at North Mountain is SERV 19, a 2005 Chevrolet 2500 pick up truck and Utility 19, a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria obtained from the Sheriff’s Department.

My thanks to Chief Josh Taylor of North Mountain for organizing the photo shoot of the North Mountain apparatus.

Gore VFD Apparatus Profile
By Mike Sanders

The Gore VFD is located in a rural area of Frederick County not far from the Virginia and West Virginia state line along Route 50. Winchester is about 10 miles away from Gore.

The fire department was established in 1950 and its original station is located just off of Route 50. That building still stands today. The existing station is located along busy Route 50 and the fire department has just completed a renovation and expansion of this station which will provide much needed additional space.

Gore is Fire Station 14 within Frederick County. The current apparatus roster at Station 14 includes seven units. Engine 14 is a 1994 Pierce Dash equipped with a 1500 gallon per minute pump (top mount pump panel) and carries 1000 gallons of water. Tanker 14 is a 1986 Ford 8000 that was built by Alleghany. It has a 1500 gallon water tank and is equipped with a 1000 gallon per minute pump. Attack 14 is a Pierce mini pumper on a 1990 Ford F350 and is equipped with a 400/350. Brush 14 is a 1978 Ford F350 with a Morysville body and carries 210 gallons of water. This brush truck was once Gore’s attack unit and had a front mounted pump. SERV 14 is a 2002 Ford F350 pick up truck.

Two ambulances built by Horton provide EMS responses. Ambulance 14-1 is a 2001 Ford F350 and Ambulance 14-2 is a 2006 Ford F450 model.

Gore is in the process of completing an extensive renovation on their fire station. In addition to new meeting rooms, training room, storage, etc., the department added three additional apparatus bays to make a total of seven bays to house their apparatus.

By Tommy Warshaw III thomas.warshaw@gmail.com

The Huguenot Volunteer Fire Department is located in Central Virginia within eastern Powhatan County. Huguenot not only responds to emergency incidents in Powhatan County, but also runs mutual aid with Chesterfield County. The Volunteers at Station 2 operate an engine, a tanker, a brush truck, EMS responder unit and the only heavy rescue rig in Powhatan County.

Engine 2, a 1990 HME/Grumman, is the oldest rig in Huguenot’s stable. It provides fire suppression and extrication capabilities. In addition to it’s 1000 gpm pump and 750 gallon water tank, it features a Hurst Tool compliment, 6kW generator, two crosslays, front and rear preconnects, and seating for six. The department’s apparatus committee is currently working on a replacement engine.

Tanker 2 is a 1992 S&S elliptical tanker on an International chassis. It sports a 1000 gpm Waterous pump and an 1800 gallon tank. T-2 features 8″ side and 10″ rear dumps, two crosslays, front discharge with forestry line, and 400′ of 3″ supply line.

Rescue 2 is a 2000 International/Pierce heavy rescue. R-2 features a compliment of Hurst extrication tools, Vetter and Hurst low & high pressure air bags, a 6kW Will-Burt light tower, 25kW Winco generator, 4-bottle 6000psi air cascasde system, 3000 watts in portable and fixed floodlights, cribbing, rescue struts, fans, hand tools, 24′ extension ladder, and other standard tools found on a Rescue Company.

Brush 2 is a 2005 Ford F550 with a body built by Alum-Line and mounted by department members. Station 2 Volunteers donated many months time custom building the pump panels, consoles, installing equipment, and other things necessary, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars. Vehicle also features 7.5 gallons of both Class A and Class B foam through a Robwen on-board foam system.

EMS 2, a 2001 Chevrolet suburban, rounds out the fleet. It is the primary vehicle used for EMS response in our area and carries an AED as well as other required EMS supplies. Currently the only EMS-license vehicle in the fleet.

I would like to thank the department President, Dennis Llewellyn for taking the time to talk with me and move around the apparatus for photographs. A special thanks also to Captain Taylor Goodman who helped me get the whole thing setup.

By Mike Sanders mnsand@visuallink.com

The Coeburn Volunteer Fire Department is located in Southwest Virginia within Wise County. Coeburn not only responds to emergency incidents in Wise County, but also Dickenson and Scott counties. The Volunteers at Coeburn operate two engines, a large tanker, and a variety of support vehicles.

Coeburn’s newest engine is Engine 681 and is a 2009 Pierce Saber equipped with a 1500 gallon per minute pump, 825 gallons of water, and 60 gallons of foam. Unfortunately, the day I visited Coeburn this engine was at the Pierce dealership and I was unable to get posed photographs of the Saber. The photograph attached was taken of the Pierce while at the dealership shortly after being delivered from Pierce. Joining the 2009 Pierce is Engine 682, a 1998 Pierce Dash equipped with a top mounted 1500 gallon per minute pump and 1000 gallons of water.

Tanker 683 carries big water, and the fire department created a unique tanker truck on a limited budget. The 1986 KenWorth was once a coal truck. The department used the KenWorth and had a locally built 3,000 gallon water tank added to it to be used as the department’s tanker truck.

“684” is a 1996 Chevrolet Cheyenne with a Stahl body. Equipped with a 250 gallon per minute pump and a 250 gallon water tank, this truck is used for brush fires, vehicle extrication, and carries a variety of different equipment.

“685” is also used for brush fires and is towed to the scene via a trailer. It is also equipped to carry a backboard. It is a 2006 Polaris 6×6 Ranger equipped by RKO with a 100 gallon water tank and a 5 gallon foam tank. Finally, “686” is a 2003 Ford F250 utility vehicle.

Sitting in front of the fire station on display is old Engine 1, a 1946 Ford engine built by Maxim.

I want to thank the members of Coeburn who helped move apparatus around for photographs in the late afternoon. Also, my apologies to the members of Coeburn for taking a longer amount of time than anticipated in posting this article.

By Mike Sanders mnsand@visuallink.com

Christiansburg, Virginia is located in Montgomery County just off of Interstate 81 in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Christiansburg is the 4th largest town in Virginia with a population of approximately 20,000. Their motto is “progressive small town living at its best”. Well, there is nothing small about the Christiansburg Fire Department, which is 100% volunteer and operates from one station.

The fire department’s roster includes an impressive apparatus roster in addition to a very nice facility. Pierce is the manufacturer of choice, however a variety of other manufacturers make up the apparatus roster at Christiansburg.

Engine Company duties are handled by a variety of Pierce engines, all with top mount pump panels. The oldest in the fleet is Engine 9, a 1988 Pierce Lance with a 1000 gpm pump and 750 gallon water tank. Engine 9 was ordered with Tanker 8, also a 1988 Lance with a 1000gpm pump and a 2500 gallon water tank. Engine 9 and Tanker 8 came off the Pierce assembly line together. Tanker 8 will be replaced later this year with a 2009 Pierce Quantum tanker equipped with a 2000/2500/50.

Other engine companies include Engine 2, 4, and Rescue Engine 7. Engine 2 is a 1993 Pierce Dash 1500/750. Engine 4 is a 2000 Pierce Quantum 2000/750 and holds 100 gallons of foam. Finally, Rescue Engine 7 is a 2005 Pierce Dash equipped with a 1500/700/40 and rescue tools.

Ladder truck operations are handled by Ladder 1, a 1988 Grumman Aerial Cat with a 102’ platform and equipped with a 1500/300. The Grumman is still running strong and there are no immediate plans for replacement.

Brush fire duties and “Quick Attack” duties are handled by Brush 6 and Attack 3. Brush 6 is a 1991 GMC 3500 that was built by Grumman and is equipped with a 250/250. The “Quick Attack” unit is Attack 3, a 2004 Ford F550/Pierce Contender with a 300/400/20. The department also operates Truck 11 as a utility vehicle, a 1980 Chevrolet Scottsdale pick up truck that was once a brush truck for Christiansburg.

Truck 5 is the department’s equipment truck, and is a 1993 Chevrolet Cheyenne that was built by RSQ Special Duty Vehicles. Safety 3 is an interesting 1985 Ford F that is used to tow the safety trailer. Prior to its Safety 3 designation, it was formally the “Quick Attack” unit with an E-One body equipped with a 250/300.

Other apparatus on the Christiansburg roster include a 1998 Chevrolet Suburban, a 1996 Chevrolet Caprice, two Ford Crown Victoria’s (2004 and 2007), and a 1993 Chevrolet Blazer. Although not officially owned by the Christiansburg Fire Department, there are two privately owned antique trucks in the area that once ran at Christiansburg – a 1930 American LaFrance 500/200 and a 1941 Dodge/Oren 500/400.

I want to thank Forest Redd and Barry Simmons for taking the time to move all of the apparatus around for photographs.

Mike Sanders mnsand@visuallink.com

The Abingdon Fire Department is an all volunteer organization located in Washington County, Virginia in the beautiful southern part of the state. Abingdon is located not far from Bristol, Virginia.

The apparatus roster of Abingdon consists of the following apparatus:

Engine 201 and Engine 204 are Pierce Saber top mount pump panel engines. Engine 201 is a 1995 model equipped with a 1250 gpm pump and holds 750 gallons of water. Engine 204 is a 1999 model with a 1500/1000 and has roll up compartment doors.

Tower 203 is a 2006 Pierce Dash 100’ tower equipped with a 2000 gallon per minute pump, holds 400 gallons of water, and has roll up doors. Tower 203 replaced a very unusual low profile 1979 Oshkosh/Howe/Grumman/LTI 100’ ladder truck that Abingdon purchased from Skyland, North Carolina. The Oshkosh is currently owned by a collector in New York and is part of a large private collection.

Tanker 202 is a 2003 International 4400/E-One equipped with a 1250 gallon per minute top mount pump. It also holds 1250 gallons of water. As with the three Pierce fire trucks, Tanker 202 has an American flag painted on the front grille.

Brush 28 is a 2001 Ford F350 equipped with a 250/240/10.

History has been preserved at Abingdon with two old engines that have been restored. A 1924 Brockway/American LaFrance was restored in 2001. In addition, the department has their 1928 American LaFrance in excellent condition. It was outfitted with an overhead ladder rack in the 1950’s.

By Mike Sanders mnsand@visuallink.com

The Ruckersville Volunteer Fire Company is Station number 2 in Greene County Virginia. The fire department is located just off of Route 29 between Culpeper and Charlottesville. Formed in 1948, Ruckersville has a variety of interesting apparatus.

Two engines handle engine company duties and the fire department is also restoring an older antique engine. Engine 22 is a four door 1989 Pierce Lance equipped with a 1250 gpm pump and carries 500 gallons of water. It is painted red and white. Engine 23 is another Pierce, this one a 1999 Quantum equipped with a 1250/1000. Engine 23 has unique graphics of a hose line connected to a hydrant running along the length of the engine. Engine 20 is no longer in active service however the department is restoring this nice 1960 Chevrolet C60 built by Oren. It is used as a parade piece.

Tower 27 was originally ordered by Chesterfield County, Virginia and painted in Chesterfield’s yellow color. Ruckersville purchased the tower and had it repainted to red and white. Tower 27 is a 1979 Mack CF 75’ aerialscope.

Other apparatus at Ruckersville include Tanker 25, Brush 29, Utility 26, and Command 20. Tanker 25 is a 2003 Freightliner 112 built by S&S and carries 3000 gallons of water in addition to a 1000 gpm pump. A unique feature of the tanker is a cab controlled small monitor on the front bumper. Brush 29 was also built by S&S and is a 1999 Ford F550 equipped with a 250 gallon per minute pump and carries 200 gallons of water. Utility 26 is a 1983 Chevrolet Step Van and Command 20 is a Dodge Durango.

Submitted by Chief Joseph Murphy

Visit the Middleburg VFD online at their new website here

On April 6, 1936 members of the Middleburg Community gathered in the school auditorium to organize a volunteer fire department. Dabney Simpson was the temporary chairperson and Mr. Walter Farr, Chief of the Herndon Fire Department, addressed the meeting. On this night the first Chief for the Department was appointed, L.G. Collier, along with the first President, Dabney Simpson. During the next several weeks, while meeting in various places such as the bank building and school auditorium, the by-laws were written, fundraising initiated, and tne department was well on it’s way.

On August 24, 1936, the department was incorporated and on October 2, 1936 the department purchased its first fire truck, a Seagrave with a 150 gallon booster tank and 150 ft. of 3/4 inch hose on reel. The truck was delivered in January of 1937 at a cost of $6,000 and was housed in a metal garage on Liberty Street, behind the B&A Grocery.

By 1940, the department had acquired property on the east side of South Madison Street where a stone firehouse was constructed, that also housed the police office and jail.

Eventually, more room was needed to house the equipment and for parking, therefore, a piece of property was purchased in 1976 on the west side of town. In 1977 a much larger building was erected and is where the department is still housed today.

The Middleburg Volunteer Fire Department is expecting start renovations on that same building with the next year. With the addition of more Office space, Living Quarters and Storage.

The Middleburg Volunteer Fire Department recently started changing their apparatus from Yellow to White. The Rescue and Wagon were purchased by the County of Loudoun for the Middleburg Fire Department.

Weyers Cave Volunteer Fire Company – Apparatus Profile
By Mike Sanders – mnsand@comcast.net

Do you like Green fire trucks? If so, a visit to the Weyers Cave Volunteer Fire Company in Rockingham County should be on your to do list. Although the Weyers Cave Volunteer Fire Company was chartered in 1948, fire protection was actually organized in 1924 when three chemical tanks were purchased and placed throughout the community after several major fires.

Weyers Cave did not begin with green trucks. In fact, their first fire truck was red and is still owned by the fire department. Engine 51 is a 1948 Chevrolet/FMC High Pressure Fog Firefighter complete with a high pressure pump and carrying just over 400 gallons of water.

In the past, Weyers Cave experimented with other colors on their fire trucks. For example, a 1971 Ford C 750 gallon per minute engine that was built by FMC was delivered in yellow. Weyers Cave has also purchased used apparatus painted red.

In 1978, the green color became a fixture in Weyers Cave when the department purchased a used 1969 Peter Pirsch (also pictured below) engine from the Rouss Fire Company of Winchester, Virginia. Rouss also has a tradition of dark green fire apparatus, and thus the dark green began at Weyers Cave.

Current fire apparatus at Weyers Cave include:

Engine 52 – a 1988 Hahn four door engine complete with a 1500 gallon per minute pump and 500 gallon water tank.

Engine 53 – a 2008 KME Predator also with a 1500/500 and 30 gallons of foam. Engine 53 is a rescue engine, with firefighting equipment on the driver side and rescue equipment located in compartments on the officer’s side. A unique feature is that the light tower is located by the pump panel, and raises straight up without having to be folded.

Engine 54 – a 1998 four door Sutphen equipped with a 1500/500.

Tanker 50 was built by New Lexington on a 1994 Ford LS9000 cab and carries 1800 gallon of water and is equipped with a 500 gallon per minute pump.

Brush 55 – the Weyers Cave members used the skid mount from their old brush truck and placed it onto a 2002 Dodge Ram 2500. Work was completed by M&W.

Finally, SERV 56 is a donated 1994 Ford F350 pick up truck that is painted red and white. A donated trailer came with the pick up truck.

The Weyers Cave Volunteer Fire Company is located just off Interstate 81, not far from Harrisonburg. I want to thank Weyers Cave members Christian and Mason who took the time to move apparatus around for photographs.

By Rhett Fleitz

The Remington Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department is located in Fauquier County and is made up of Engine Company 2 and Rescue Company 14. Visit the Remington VFR online here.

This past weekend I had the enjoyment of spending some time with the Brothers and Sisters of Remington Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department as well as some neighbors from Catlett VFR. I had a blast. I was in town for the Annual Awards Banquet. I was asked to be the guest speaker and could not see letting them down. While public speaking is not my best attribute, I did not mind polishing my skills and talking to them for just a short while.

I got up to Remington around 1pm and met the guys at the fire station. The Station is still under construction, which began in October 2007. Needless to say, they cannot wait to get it completed. Sargeant Rob Elam met me at the station and gave me the grand tour of the new station and renovation to the old station. Basically, the multi-million dollar renovation included a bay with 9 doors and room for over a dozen pieces of equipment; a fully functional training room which can be divided into two; and generator to power the station if needed; and a radio room. The renovation also included turning the old station including the bays and turning them into the offices, day room, and bunk rooms. The station should be complete soon and I know the firefighters and EMT’s are waiting for it.

The firefighters were more than willing to help me as they moved the trucks around for me to do various photos.

Special thanks to Renee Ledrew who invited me, Rob Elam, Billy Ledrew, Ian Brill, Joe Williams, and all the others who welcomed me with open arms. I appreciate everything.

To view the EMS side of the Remington VFR please visit the story with pictures on VAEMSNews.com.

Here is a rundown of the apparatus:

Engine 2 – 1994 Pierce Dash, 8 Person Cab, 1500 GPM 2 Stage Pump, 1000 Gallons of Water, (2) 1-3/4″ 200′ Crosslay, 1600′ 3″ Supply Line

Wagon 2 – 1988 Pierce Arrow 6v Detroit Diesel, 6 person cab, 1500 GPM 2 stage pump, 750 gallons of water, (2) 1-3/4″ 200′ Crosslay, 1600′ 3″ Supply Line

Rescue 2 – 1996 Freightliner / LSI, 5 Person Cab, TNT Rescue Tools, Rescue 42 Struts, Onboard Cascade System, Paratec Air Bag System

Command 2 – 2007 GMC Yukon XL, Fully contoured front console with a Toughbook Laptop on a swivel mount, Rear cabinet with a binder drawer, open storage, and rear cabinet control center, Command drawer packet with a remote LCD screen for the Laptop with touch pad and keyboard, and an Acrylight ICS Command System.

Gator 2 – 2008 John Deere 620i 4×4, Slide-In Med Bed, Slide-In Pump with 50 gallon tank

Brush 2 – 1996 Ford F-Superduty, 7.4 L Diesel, 2 Person Cab, 350 GPM Pump, 320 Gallons of Water, 300′ 3″ Supply Line, 200′ 1″ Booster Reel

Salvage 2 – 1989 Dodge 250 Power Ram