Historic Apparatus: 1974 LaFrance Pumper

On June 1, 1971, Deputy Chief Bernald Cook resigned from the Department after serving over 45 years, 28 as a call fireman in Hose Company 1 and the remaining years as a permanent man, attaining the rank of Deputy Chief in January 1954.

Bernald had joined the Department in 1926, becoming Clerk in 1932.  He was appointed Captain in April 1937, Second Deputy in 1954 and First Deputy in 1957.

In 1972, a fund raising campaign to replace the aging 1949 Rescue Truck was started.  Franklin City Council voted to donate $500.00 to the endeavor.  The Council also authorized the Squad to sell the old vehicle to the highest bidder.

The planned purchase was for a ten foot body from Gertenslager Company at a cost of $8500.  The body would be mounted on a 1 ½ ton Chevrolet chassis purchased locally.

The new truck arrived early in 1973.  Total cost of the new piece was $16,225.

Chief Moise Mercier retired on December 31, 1973.  He had served 37 years.

In January 1974, a new Ward LaFrance Pumper was put into service.  It was a 1250 GPM pumper and replaced the 1941 Federal which was sold to Engine Company No. 1.

The new truck would have pre-connected 1 1/2 inch and 2 ½ inch hose lines.  Cost of this vehicle was $39,500.