Rusty's Rosters News

Ocean City Station 4

2013-10-08T16:43:00.000-04:00

Photo from ocvfc.com

Photo by Rusty

On or about September 24, 2013, OCFD vacated its original Station 4 opened 1974 at 12925 Coastal Hwy at 130th Street. Engine 7-4 and Paramedic 7-4 moved to several bays (one open and at left in middle photo) of the nearby Parks Dept Garage at 12801 Jamaica Ave. This is about 500 yards away at the end of a cul-de-sac behind Montego Bay Shopping Center next to Northside Park. Station 4 was demolished to make room for a larger new two-story, three-bay, 11,500 square foot firehouse to be completed before the start of next season. Reportedly the next project to follow this one will be a replacement for Station 3 possibly in front of the public safety building at 65th Street.

Photo from oceancity.com

Sussex Station 106

2013-09-02T12:16:00.001-04:00

The latest "new" station in Sussex County Delaware is Station 106. This opened May 31, 2013,

as the third home for the Sussex County EMS (SCEMS) Long Neck Medic 106. It is addressed as 31282 Indian Mission Road (Route 5) north of Mid Sussex Rescue Squad Station 91 and Route 24 in the Long Neck area.

Medic 106 began service in May 2000 from the Seafarers Village Shopping Center off Long Neck Road. In summer of 2004, Medic 106 moved to its second home at the new Mid Sussex RS Station 91. The latest Station 106 is the second SCEMS owned station the other for Laurel Medic 102 as all the others are leased.

Another SCEMS facility Station 104 in Midway covers the busy Delaware Route 1 corridor. Medic 104 resides in this unique commercial building. It is addressed as 18385 Olde Coach Drive on the east side of Route 1 north of Route 24.

Originally Medic 104 was in a smaller temporary garage and trailer building adjacent to the current the road then known as Brian Drive. This facility was dedicated June 17, 2009, to Paramedic Stephanie Callaway who was killed in the line of duty in June 2008. All photos by Rusty.

New Station for Bryans Road

2013-08-04T13:59:00.000-04:00

A recent trip into Charles County brought us by the new home of the Bryans Road VFD&RS. Built on the site of the previous station of 1965 original vintage it is addressed as before at 3099 Livingston Road near Billingsly Road. This new and larger building is their 4th home and was occupied about May 1, 2013. As reported on brvfd.com, Co 11 occupied trailers on site while their previous station was razed and this built in its place. The Bryans Road VFD&RS organized in September 1962 and went in service June 6, 1963.

A roster of their fleet (as I have it) follows. Correction of course welcome.

E 112 '01 E-1 "Cyclone II" 4dr 1250/500/10 Extrication

E 113 '12 E-1 "Cyclone II" 4dr 30kw 1500/650/20 Cascade & Rescue

E 114 '10 Ford "F-350" 2dr 4x4 pick-up /DPC 200/150

E 115 '99 Ford "F-350" 2dr 4x4 pick-up 250/200

K 11 '04 E-1 "Cyclone II" 4dr 1250/2500/100 tandem rear axle

B 11 '89 Ford "F-250" 2dr 4x4 pick-up 250/200 (xE115)

T 11 '07 E-1 "Cyclone II" 4dr 15kw 100' RMA tandem rear axle

A 118 '11 Ford "E-450" 2dr /'04 PL Custom T3

A 119 '11 Ford "E-450" 2dr /'04 PL Custom T3

U 11 '98 Ford "F-350" 4dr 4x4 pick-up w/ cap >to go to Co 13

C 11 '10 Ford "Expedition" 4dr 4x4 /DPC

Lincoln "City" Fire Station

2013-06-30T15:23:00.000-04:00

Photo by Rusty

A recent ride brought a visit by the recently opened Ellendale VFCo No 1's No 2 station in Lincoln DE. Have posted about this new station before but wanted to verify exactly what is run from here.

On June 24, 2013 the station houses the following...

Engine 75-2 1996 Sutphen 4dr 1500gpm/1250gwt Extrictn

Tanker 75-3 1968 Maxim (S) 2dr 1000gpm/2000gwt

Brush 75-0 2004 Ford (F-550) 2dr 4x4 flatbed /Firematic 500gpm/350gw20gft-A Extrictn

Special Ops 2006 Spartan (Advantage) 4dr-E /Hackney Tech Rescue (SsxCo)

The address of Station 75 No 2 is 8731 North Old State Road south of Greely Avenue. Lincoln is along the railroad east of US 113 between Ellendale and Milford in northern Sussex County.

OCFD's New Tower 7-1

2013-06-18T13:44:00.000-04:00

Parked in front of the Convention Center for the MSFA Convention is OCFD's latest addition.

Tower 1 as lettered is a 2013 E-One "Cyclone II" 100-foot platform quint with 2000-gpm pump and 300-gallon water tank. This will run from HQ as Tower 7-1 displacing the '01 Hurricane" 95-foot tower (shop 705) that will most likely move to Station 5 as Tower 7-5. This will bring retirement (sob, sob) of the long serving Snorkel (shop 711) the '83 Pierce "Arrow" with '66 Pitman boom (once on a Ford "C" chassis).

Reportedly as well, OCFD has ordered a KME "Predator" engine-tanker to replace shop 719 the '89 International, Alexis and shop 720 the '82 International (ex Rescue 707 chassis), '90 Techweld (remounted locally in 1998) both at Station 5 as Tankers 7-5 & 7-5-1.

OCFD Fire Boat & More

2013-06-03T12:09:00.003-04:00

The Ocean City FD has finally put their Fire Boat in the Water. This 32' vessel was built by Moore Boats of Bishopville, MD. The unique hull design allows for shallow draft and greater stability and handling.

It has a 700-horsepower diesel power plant and 1200-gpm fire pump. It is kept on a lift at the end of 13th Street west of St Louis Avenue near the 15th Street Firehouse in Ocean City. Keep in mind the adjacent condos (and boats) are private property.

To learn more on Moore Boats go to Moore Boats website.

If in Ocean City you may see this along Coastal Highway out front of the Gold Coast Mall. Holding up a banner (thumping a beer sale, happy hour or the like) is this old engine is lettered (barely visible) for the Hacks Point VFCo of Cecil County.

Based on my records this is a 1960, International "R-185", Seagrave 750-gpm with 750-gallon water tank. As I have, it ran as Engine 1 later Engine 911 and was retired before 1998.

All photos by Rusty.

2013 DelMarVa Parade

2013-05-09T16:58:00.000-04:00

Photo by Rusty

Saturday May 4 visited Parksley, VA for the 84th annual Del-Mar-Va Association Convention Parade. This is the 13th time it has been held in this Accomack County town. Some highlights: Parksley VFCo's latest addition a 2013 Pierce "Velocity" 2000/1000 as Engine 7-3.

Photo by Rusty

Tower 9 from the Onancock VFD is this 2012 Pierce "Arrow XT" 100' that like the previous engine saw much action over the last few months in the areas rash of arson fires.

Photo by Rusty

Another veteran of the recent rash of fires is Rescue Engine 8 of the Tasley VFD is this 1996 Pierce "Lance" 1250/500/40 previously ran with Ashburn Co 6 in Loudoun County VA.

From the Greenbackville VFD is the latest Truck 2 their 2012 Pierce "Saber" 1500/500 75' rear mount placed in service this past February. This like their tanker and ambo are painted in the unique slate grey over red scheme.

Photo by Rusty

The Rescue Fire Co of Cambridge MD brought Haz-Mat 1-1, their 2007 Freightliner, Hackney.

The Ocean City FD brought their long serving 1983 Pierce "Arrow" 1500/200 with 1965 Pitman 85' Snorkel. Known as Snorkel 7-5, this previously ran as Snorkel 11 now shop 711 and will be replaced soon. The boom was previously on a '65 Ford "C-950" that became recently retired Engine Tanker 1501 with the Allen VFCo in Wicomico County, MD.

Photo by Rusty

Another glad to see was this 1975 Hahn 1250/1000 Engine 51-5 from the Hartley VFCo in Kent County DE.

The not too distant Bowers FCo brought Quint 40 their uniquely painted 2009 Ferrara "Intruder II" 2000/400 with 75' rear mount.

Photo by Brandon

Last serving the Millsboro VFCo of Sussex County DE, this 1982 Ford "C-8000", E-One 1250/500 with Tele-Squrt is now Ladder 6 of the Bloxom VFCo of Accomack County. Their only other engine is a 1986 Pierce "Arrow" previously of Selbyville DE.

One surprise attendee is this 2009 International, Horton A122 of the Ocean Park VFR in Virginia Beach VA.

B-CC Rescue Wagons Follow Up

2013-03-17T14:41:00.000-04:00

In previous posts we covered the evolution of the rescue wagons serving the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad in Montgomery County. As is often the case, new info is discovered or the story otherwise changes. Here's a few updates and changes.

The second rescue truck with B-CC is not as noted before. It is (as shown in the photo) a 1949 or 1950 Ford F-series COE with an unknown partially covered walk-in body (more about this later).

This was apparently replaced by the 1955 GMC with a very similar looking body. So similar it is believed this was a remount from the Ford minus the rear fender skirts.

The GMC is remains in service until at least replaced by the Mack "N", Bruco as it now seems this was in early 1961 that truck a '60 build. The '55 GMC may have remained briefly as a second-out or not as it went by 1964 to the Manoa Fire Co of Haverford Township, Delaware County Pennsylvania. From there it goes about 1970 to Upper Darby's believed Highland Park Station also of Delaware County Pennsylvania.

Some photos of it in later life have surfaced and the body identified as built by Approved Fire Equipment Co. This outfit I believe was out of somewhere in New York and built bodies (larger ones) for rescue wagons serving the Philadelphia FD and FDNY as well as others. In comparing photos of those to the above there are some aspects that makes one doubt Approved as the builder. Then again I was not around then and have no idea who the builder actually was. Anyone wishing to comment or correct please do so.

As for another of the B-CC squad trucks, the recently replaced 1994 Simon-Duplex, Saulsbury has gone to Aurelius New York. [Photo credits for above to unknown photographer posted on Facebook.com/Unofficial History of Montgomery County Fire Rescue Services Maryland.]

Sussex Co DE Follow Up

2013-01-29T13:32:00.000-05:00

Photo by athomas as posted on evfd75.com

In the last post we covered the various new stations opening in Sussex County. Seems however one managed to get by me. The Ellendale FCo No 1 has recently completed their new Station 2. This is located at 8751 North Old State Road (Road 213) s/o Greeley Ave. This is in the incorporated town of Lincoln e/o US 113 not too far from (southwest of) SCEMS Medic 101 Station. As per their website, evfd75.com it is uncertain if this is in service yet or what apparatus is assigned. Thanks to Steve for the update and stay tuned for more or visit the Ellendale Fco No 1 website evfd75.com .

New Sussex County DE Stations

2013-01-15T17:10:00.001-05:00

Photo by Rusty

In the past few years, three of Sussex Delaware's companies have opened No 2 stations. The first we'll cover is for the Millville VFCo. On June 21, 2006 they opened a No 2 house from a retrofitted barn at 34237 Omar Road west of Route 26 in the Clarkesville area. This however closed on February 16, 2009 the old barn razed for a new facility. On May 20, 2010 the Millville VFCo opened their new and much larger Station 2 on the same site and address. Assigned is E84-1, Tanker 84 (both for sale) and on occasion one of their ambulances.

Photo from laurelfiredepartment.com

On June 1, 2012, the Laurel FD No 1 opened a No 2 house a two-bay affair at 29022 Fire Tower Road near Sycamore Street in the Sycamore area east of Laurel north of Route 26. This area was briefly served by a temporary Station 2 back in late 2004 to fall 2005 while construction was underway reducing response times there. Assigned to the current house are E81-3, E81-4 and Br 81-0.

Photo by Rusty

In August 2012, the Memorial FCo of Slaughter Beach opened a No 2 Station at 8009 Slaughter Beach Road (Route 224) near Rutt Road east of Argos Corner and Del Route 1. Assigned is E89-5 a '88 Spartan 4-Guys that ran as E83-1 with the Millsboro VFCo.

Photo by Patrick C. Miller from Dagsborovfd.com

On November 10, 2012, a ground breaking ceremony was held by the Dagsboro VFCo. The new and larger Station 73 will be on Railroad Avenue at the tracks east of US 113.

Sussex County Updates

2012-12-31T14:46:00.001-05:00

Some news to report on changes on Delmarva specifically Sussex County Delaware. The Delmar VFD recently placed in service a new Spartan "Gladiator", 4-Guys 24-foot walk-around as Rescue 74. This replaces the '99 Pierce that was wrecked back February 18, 2011. The Georgetown VFCo has a new Pierce engine under construction while the Memorial FCo of Slaughter Beach has just ordered a new Pierce "Velocity" engine tanker. They recently opened a No 2 station in Argoes Corner (more on new stations in later posts) The Greenwood VFCo will be the next Sussex County company to run a ladder truck as they recently ordered a Rosenbauer "Commander" with 109-foot "Viper" rear mount aerial outfitted as a quint. (see this at DPCemergency.com) The Millville VFCo just ordered a new E-One Typhoon rescue engine as E 84-1 their '87 PemFab, American Eagle recently sold. (see this at Patriotfireusa.com) The Milton FD is expecting a new Spartan "Metro Star", Rosenbauer for Rescue 85.The Selbyville VFCo has recently ordered as well new Rosenbauer "Commander" with T-Rex 115-foot articulating platform the first on the east coast and also a quint to replace Tower 88. In addition E88-4 their '86 Pierce "Arrow" has gone to Bloxom in Accomack County VA as E6-4.

Wilmington Fireboat 7

2012-10-03T14:32:00.000-04:00

Back on July 11, the Wilmington FD of Delaware welcomed their latest marine firefighting vessel. This 2012 Metalcraft Marine "Firestorm 70" is 70-feet in length, has a 12,000-gpm rated pump and 300-gallons of AFFF. It is powered by 4) 825-hp diesels with jet drive. It is titled "The Firefighter" like their previous retrofitted vessel that was retired in February 2012. It was subsequently sold to private owner and last seen on a river in New Jersey. I managed to get some shots of the boat back on a very hot day this July.

For more info and pics visit the Fireboat 7 Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/groups/291305134222472/

B-CC RS The Latest Chapter

2012-07-29T14:12:00.000-04:00

This is the latest chapter in the ongoing evolution of rescue squad trucks of the B-CC RS in Montgomery County. On June 22, 2012, their latest squad wagon went in service. This is a 2011 Spartan "Gladiator" with Rescue 1 walk-in 24-foot body. Designated RS 741 (the "alpha" or first out piece aka RS 19) this is their first tandem rear axle and replaces their '94 Simon-Duplex, Saulsbury. Thanks to Jeff Mogush for use of his photo.

OCEAN CITY RENUMBERING

2012-04-18T17:26:00.000-04:00

For those out there waiting for this shoe to drop...finally as many have speculated, the Ocean City FD has re-numbered its apparatus. As expected the OCFD now uses a station specific format but with a minor twist. All units now identify on the radio using a "7" prefix with extra sequential number suffixes for 2nd or 3rd out. This differs slightly from the "700" company designation of pre 800 radio system days. A run down of changes follows. The Lower Shore Apparatus Roster available on the storefront has also been updated accordingly.

Engine 1 (old) '01 Saber @ 5 is now Engine 7-5
Engine 1 (new) '11 KME @ HQ is Engine 7-1
Engine 2 (old) '85 Arrow @ HQ a reserve is now Engine 7-1-2
Engine 2 (new) '11 KME @ 2 is Engine 7-2
Engine 3 '05 Dash @ HQ is Engine 7-1-1
Engine 4 '09 KME @ 4 is Engine 7-4
Tower 5 '01 Hurricane @ HQ is Tower 7-1
Tower 6 '97 Hurricane @ 3 is Tower 7-3
Rescue 7 '98 Freightliner '82 Saulsbury @ HQ is Rescue 7-1
Engine 8 '53 Ford, American parade piece @ 4 remains
Engine 9 sold to collector
Snorkel 11 '83 Arrow '66 Pitman @ 5 is Snorkel 7-5
Engine 12 '09 KME @ 3 is Engine 7-3

Brush 15 '86 Chevy @ HQ is Brush 7-1
Rescue 18 @ 5 is Rescue 7-5
Tanker 19 @ 5 is Tanker 7-5
Tanker 20 @ 5 is Tanker 7-5-1
Sp Hazards 23 @ HQ (was at 5) is Sp Hazards 7-1

The Medics use as before the station number w/ "7" prefix and yes Medic 1-1 is now Medic 7-1-1. The utility trucks are thus far the same with "7" prefix (710, 714, 780 etc) as are the chiefs (750, 751 etc). All the KME engines have new number plates (without the 7) on their front bumpers however no other re-lettering has as yet been seen. And yes just as with various localities under the COG fog of the Washington DC Metro, an OC box now brings a lot of "sevens" over the radio. In other news the City Council also just approved an expansion of Station 4 at 130th Street plus roof and facade upgrade to HQ on 15th Street.

Salisbury New Arrivals

2012-02-26T15:19:00.001-05:00

Photo from SalisburyFD.com

On December 12, the SFD took delivery of their first of three new International "Terra Star" Horton ambos. This for Medic 1 one of three to replace the three '05 International Medtecs that have pounded their share of pavement in and around Salisbury. The oldest in the fleet are an '03 Ford, AEV and an '02 Ford , Wheeled Coach that will likely be retired the better of the replaced '05 models as reserves. All of the SFD new arrivals are painted in the SFD's new livery.

Some new arrivals for the Salisbury FD of Wicomico County. The first on November 21, 2010, is a new Freightliner "M-2" Hackney designated Air Light 1. Equipped with a 40kw PTO generator, 26-cfm compressor and 40 air bottles this presumably replaces Air Light 2 the '95 Chevy, Beaverbilt that ran from Station 2 at Brown and Naylor Streets. This is assumed running from Station 1 on Beaglin Park Drive

New For Ocean City FD

2012-02-03T12:07:00.000-05:00

Photo from OCVFC.com

Back on December 12, 2011 the latest additions came to the Ocean City FD. Both are 2011 KME "Predator" models with 2000-gpm rated Waterous pumps, 550-gallon water tanks plus 50-gallon foam cells. Each is also equipped with a 15kw generator and with jaws for extrication duty. Both also are similar to the previous two KME's running as E4 & E16 Of greatest interest is their unit designations Engine 1 and Engine 2.While one of the engines to be replaced is E2 the '98 Interstate Mack rehabbed '85 Pierce Arrow the other is E9 a '85 Ford "F-700", Pierce with the current E1 a '01 Pierce "Dash". So what does this mean? Best guess is a re-numbering of OCFD suppression units so as to correspond with the station numbers like the medic units. Stay tuned as this bears further investigation. Next due by this spring is a new fire boat..

Roster Updates

2011-12-14T10:58:00.000-05:00

Just uploaded to the Storefront. New updated rosters for Baltimore-Annapolis, DC-MD Metro, Lower Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland. Coming soon NoVa Metro plus something new Middle Maryland.

Water Rescue 1

2011-10-30T12:16:00.000-04:00

A new unit designation Water Rescue 1 can be heard on OCFD radio. Here's what it is -shot at the recent Harbor Fest event. It's a 2005 +/- model year Chevy "Suburban" equipped with a slide out rear tray with SCUBA packs. The shop number is 789. A crew member believed it came from the FM office. It carries a line gun, various water rescue suits and related rescue devices. It is intended as a rapid access response vehicle better able to access the beach than say Rescue 7. It currently runs from Headquarters. OCFD has about a dozen certified divers and about twice as many rescue swimmers. Of course when the Beach Patrol is off duty (5:30pm-9:00 am summer and always in the off-season) surf rescue duty goes to the fire department. In other news the new fireboat is coming along and expected by spring 2012. As reported old Engine 12 the Spartan Alexis removed from service last spring has gone to the Glover FD in New Hampshire. To the south, Stockton is expecting very soon a new Peterbilt, Pierce elliptical tanker.

Old Montgomery & PG County Pics

2011-10-10T10:03:00.000-04:00


Burtonsville VFD Station in 1955. Photo by Martin Best.

Some great 1950s and 60s pics of Montgomery & P.G. County have been posted on Rusty's Rosters Facebook page.

These include stations and incidents of a by-gone era. Please go and "Like" the page. The link is facebook.com/pages/Rustys-Rosters/119074768163990.

Plans are to add more of these over time so check back here and on the Facebook page. Feel free to comment and or add info on what you see.

Wisconsin 1000

2011-09-25T14:25:00.000-04:00

Here's a link to a circa 1950 video about the B-CC Rescue Squad. http://youtu.be/D882Y5UEOR4 Some great old footage (I haven't seen this vid in some 30 years). Note the station that was at 4800 Fairmont Ave off Wisconsin Ave now the site of an office building. This was originally the home of the short lived and by then defunct VFD of Bethesda that was an off-shoot of the original Bethesda FD. Note as well the "old" Suburban Hospital (where I was actually born) as it looked in the day. Also of mention is the Super Surplus store as I believe was owned by Donald Dunnington. I have spent many an hour in there. Shown as well is the GMC squad truck as described in a previous post about B-CC rescue wagons. Would love to know the body builder on that. Many thanks to Mike Sanders for forwarding this gem. The link again is http://youtu.be/D882Y5UEOR4.

Cherrydale Station 3

2011-08-13T15:54:00.000-04:00

From arlingtonva.us

By Rusty

On July 18, 2011, Arlington County FD's Cherrydale Station 3 moved to its new home. About a block west it is now at 4100 Old Dominion Drive at Lee Highway. In addition to Engine 103, Battalion Chief 112 has also moved in vacating Clarendon Station 4. The previous firehouse at 3900 Lee Highway was built in 1919 and is on the National Historic Register. It was the oldest and last volunteer company built firehouse in Arlington County.

The original Cherrydale FD was the first fire company in then Alexandria County organized in 1898. (Falls Church formed then too but was considered in Fairfax County). Cherrydale at the time is not much more than a small farming village and crossroads along a popular road and rail line. The company with little in the way of apparatus operated from members homes adding a hand pulled hose and bucket wagon in 1904. In 1906, the company moved to its first fire station. In 1913, they add their first motorized a chemical engine -the first in the county as well. By 1914, the Cherrydale FD has expanded to 4 stations about the community operating 3 hose carts, a motorized chemical engine and a hook and ladder wagon.This is the best equipped department in Northern Virginia beyond Alexandria. By 1918, the CFD is fully motorized believed with three Ford "Model T" chemical engines. Late the following year, the company consolidates operations moving to its recently vacated then "central station" at 3900 Lee Highway as addressed today.

In 1920, the company re-organizes taking the name Cherrydale VFD. It is designated Company 3 in late 1935 with the first paid personnel assigned in 1940 the beginnings of the Arlington County FD. The Cherrydale VFD was well known back in the day often at most big fires throughout Northern Virginia. The fleet did not grow much past a two-piece engine company although the CVFD did run an ambulance back in the 1960s. One unique apparatus addition was a 1988 Ford "CF-700" Hackney known as Light Unit 73 later 103. While owned by the CVFD this was kept at Halls Hill Station 8 as Station 3 was of limited space. It was last reported at Falls Church Station 6 no longer in service.

The NoVa Station Apparatus Roster has been updated accordingly as has the Arlington County History that now includes photos. Visit the storefront to grab yours. For more info on Station 3 and the Cherrydale VFD visit acfd3.com and check out the "apparatus" and "gallery" for great old photos. See also the "history" section at cherrydalevfd.org. You can also follow Arlington County fire service goings on and history stories at arlingtonfirejournal.blogspot.com.

UPDATES

2011-08-01T21:08:00.000-04:00

Fairfax County Station 25 Reston

Arlington County Station 5 Crystal City

Just uploaded to our storefront are updates for the following. The Baltimore Annapolis Roster -a few changes especially in Baltimore County. The NoVa Metro Roster -some new ambulances in Fairfax County. History of Aerial Trucks in Fairfax County -brought current with the latest Tower 436. DC-MD Metro Roster update to follow soon with new Montgomery ambulance assignments plus various updates for DC.

Firefighting History of Washington DC

2011-07-26T10:41:00.000-04:00

Just released our third or Part 3 if you will eBook on the History of Fire Rescue in Washington DC. Originally one work (of over 100 pages) it was broken into 3 parts. The latest covers World War II to Present Day. Company organizations and movements, new stations, changes at the top, major incidents as well as other milestones of development in our Nations Capital. No photos as yet but plan to add some eventually (contact me if you have any you would like to contribute). Go to our storefront to order.

History of EMS in Washington DC

2011-07-13T10:31:00.000-04:00

Just released, our latest eBook on the History of EMS in Washington DC. This chronology covers the evolution of hospitals the initial source of public ambulance service for our Nation's Capital. Details the opening and expansion facilities like Emergency, Casualty, Doctors, Garfield, Gallinger, and Freedmen's Hospitals some long gone others under new names and missions. Details ambulance unit evolution from the early rescue squad ambos to the DCFD public service takeover in 1957, to Mobile 25, the Rapids and the latest Paramedic Engine Companies. Covers unit additions and movements over time. Also touches on the multitudes of Civil War Hospitals (around 85) and some of the bigger mass casualty events and mutual aid and campus EMS agencies like B-CCRS, GERMS, EMeRG & AUFRT. Includes several unit location maps. Go to the Rustys Rosters Storefront and download yours today. NOTE this eBook does not have photos as yet. Anyone wishing to submit please contact me via email. Old or new DC ambo pics with proper photographer credit.

Rescue Wagons of B-CC RS Part 2

2011-06-08T21:56:00.000-04:00

From Jeff Mogush.

Back again with our continuation of the rescue truck history for the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. By 1970, the area had seen much growth and enjoyed plenty of traffic. Auto wrecks (called then PIAs) and fires were not at all uncommon. To meet the next generation of rescue and fireground support needs B-CC RS receives in 1971 a most imposing looking squad wagon. A mammoth especially for the time (my jaw dropped on first view) this two-door cab-over new '71 Kenworth has a Swab Wagon Co 19-foot three-quarter enclosed rear access walk-in body. It has 4 large (probably Krouse Heines) spotlights on each side behind the enclosed body. Designated Rescue 19 this comes to be called the "Great White Whale". The GMC, Bruco becomes Rescue 18 a second-out with the International, Baker as Rescue 17. This is used mostly for pedestrian struck calls or those not requiring such an assortment of resources.

From Mike Sanders

In 1973, Rescue 18, gets a new three-quarter enclosed 16-foot Swab rear access walk-in body replacing the over 10 year old Bruco. Rescue 17 is retired going south to the Warrenton Rescue Squad in Fauquier County Virginia. (This I recently confirmed this thanks to Mike Sanders)

From Mike Sanders

In 1983, B-CC adds another two-door cab-over new '82 Kenworth this with '83 Saulsbury 21-foot fully enclosed rear walk-in body. This becomes the latest Rescue 19 the '71 model as Rescue 18, the '64 GMC, '73 Swab retired.

From Warren Jenkins

In about mid 1986, Rescue 18's '71 Kenworth, Swab the "Great White Whale" goes out for a glider rebuild. With the '82/'83 down the squad runs in the interim a two-door, cab-over '61 GMC "L-5500", with H&H 15-foot three quarter enclosed rear access walk-in body that previously served Waldwick New Jersey. This winds up later at Sudlersville in Queen Annes County.

From Mike Sanders

By years end Rescue 18 returns now a matching two-door cab-over '86 Kenworth with Saulsbury 21-foot fully enclosed rear walk-in body. One of the few remnants of the '71 "Great White Whale" is the generator. This one also has an automatic transmission. The two are very similar the newer one with square headlamps, small glass "window" in cab door and lacking company emblem one the front body as the only tell tales.

From John Floyd

In fall 1992, Rescue 18 the newer '86 Kenworth, Saulsbury is wrecked and sent to Saulsbury for repair and quick rehab. In December 1994, the latest generation of rescue wagon comes to B-CC a two-door, cab-over new Simon-Duplex "D-9400" with Saulsbury 20-foot cab access partial walk-in otherwise walk-around body designated Rescue Squad 19. This has a lower forward cab area and overal less imposing look as the previous Kenworths.

In mid 1995 the replaced '82 Kenworth, '83 Saulsbury of Rescue Squad 19 goes to the County Department of Fire Rescue (DFR) for use as a reserve. To improve drive-ability, its 19-speed manual transmission is replaced with an automatic.

In spring of 2001, the County Reserve '82 Kenworth with '83 Saulsbury body overturns on Route 118 while running as Rescue Squad 291 in Germantown. Badly damaged it goes finally out for a glider rehab late the next year.

From Rusty

In spring 2003, B-CC adds a two-door cab-over new Spartan "Gladiator", with Saulsbury 20-foot walk-around body this for Rescue Squad 18 that is over 15 years old.

As a side note in early 2004, the wrecked '82 Kenworth, '83 Saulsbury County Reserve returns the body rehabbed and matched to a four-door new '03 Spartan Gladiator still used as a County DFR reserve. With the county's adherance to the Metropoitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) new unit numbering system, the newer Rescue Squad 18 became 741 (alpha -silent) and 18 became 741Bravo.

In 2011, B-CC RS expects its latest rescue wagon a tandem rear axle, raised four-door new Spartan "Gladiator" with Rescue 1 enclosed rear access 24-foot walk-in body. With the COG designation this will be Rescue Squad 741 replacing Simon-Duplex, the Spartan, as 741Bravo.

Readers feel free to add comments or insights. Maybe in the future a similar work will cover other area squads like Wheaton and Laurel. Anyone with photos especially of older squads please contact us. Also check out the B-CC Blog covering incidents in the greater Bethesda Chevy Chase area.