PATERSON FIRE HISTORY
  • HOME
  • OVERVIEW
    • EVENTS 1890-1899
    • EVENTS 1900-1910
    • EVENTS 1911-1919
    • EVENTS 1920-1939
    • EVENTS 1940-1959
    • EVENTS 1960-1979
    • EVENTS 1980-99
    • EVENTS > 2000
  • FIREFIGHTERS
  • THE SUPREME SACRFICE
  • CHIEF ENGINEERS
    • ASSISTANT CHIEFS
    • DEPUTY CHIEFS
    • BATTALION CHIEFS
    • CHIEF GIGS
  • NOTABLE FIRES
  • GREAT 1902 CONFLIGRATION
  • EMS
    • EMS ROSTER
  • FIRE PHOTOS BY ERA
  • FIREHOUSE PHOTOS / FACTS
  • COMPANY FH LOCATIONS
  • APPARATUS
  • APPARATUS VIDEOS
  • FIRE VIDEOS 1991-2011
  • FIRE VIDEOS 2014-2019
  • DOCUDRAMAS
  • NOTABLE EVENTS INDEX
    • APPARATUS NOTABLES
    • APPTS & PROMOTIONS
    • AWARDS
    • FIREMEN STORIES
    • 1960 CHIEF SELECTION
    • GRAND STREET RIOT 1917
    • GROUND ZERO
    • HANCOCKS
    • HISTORICAL REVIEWS
    • HISTORY by CHIEF STAGG
    • KEARNEY-FAMILY
    • MILITARY
    • PARADES
    • RED MASS
    • RESCUES
    • SISTER LORETTA
    • SPORTS
    • THEATRE DETAIL
  • MEMORABILIA
  • DEPARTMENT DOGS
  • TRAINING
  • VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
    • 1821 - 1854 HISTORY
    • VOLUNTEER HISTORY
    • ANNUAL REPORTS
    • VOLUNTEER CHIEFS
    • VOLUNTEER PROFILES
    • VOLUNTEER COMPANIES
  • COMMUNICATIONS / FA
    • FIRE BOX LISTS
    • EVRS STATION LIST
  • EXEMPT ASSOCIATION
  • EXEMPT HOME & RELICS
  • FMBA / PFA
  • AUXILIARY FIRE DEPARTMENT
  • STATISTICS
  • CITY OF PATERSON
  • ORAL HISTORY
  • PFH CONTRIBUTORS
  • CONTACT
  • 1909 BALL BOOK
  • 1916 BALL BOOK

Paterson's American LaFrance Apparatus

The American LaFrance Fire Engine Company was one of the oldest fire apparatus manufacturers in America. With roots that go back to approximately 1832, the companies that went on to become American LaFrance built hand-drawn, horse-drawn, and steam-powered fire engines. Founded in 1873 by Truckson LaFrance and his partners, including Alexander S. Diven as the LaFrance Manufacturing Company selling hand powered equipment. The International Fire Engine Company, corporate predecessor of American LaFrance, built some steam power fire engines between 1903-1907. Apparatus built by International included horse drawn steamers, hose wagons, and hook & ladders to chemical engines, water towers and combinations. 
Picture
1967 Advertisement
The American LaFrance Fire Engine Company was formed in 1903. Its corporate offices and manufacturing plant were in Elmira, NY.  ALF delivered its first motorized fire engine in 1907. Over the years, American LaFrance built thousands of fire trucks including chemical engines, combination pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, Aero Chief snorkel trucks, and airport crash trucks. The classical style of the American LaFrance apparatus is easily recognized. Some of the company's innovations led to changes in the industry, most notably the cab forward style cab. In 1995, the company was bought by Freightliner LLC., which is a subsidiary of Daimler AG. ​
August 1915: New American LaFrance Boiler was put on Engine Company 6 second size 1907 Nott  Steamer to which a Christie Front Drive tractor had been attached in 1913.  Apparatus pictured below in front of quarters
Picture
1923: Engine Company 12 on Circle Avenue and North Third Street received a First Size American LaFrance Combination Hose Chemical and Pumping Engine (Serial # 4415). Originally had solid rubber tires.
Picture
Picture
November 30, 1932: Engine Company 11 received a 1922 chain-driven American LaFrance 500 GPM pumper (Serial # 5030). Paterson acquired it from Haledon NJ Fire department where this apparatus had been severely damaged in an accident. The Ahrens Fox representative had it repaired and gifted it to Paterson. In PFD records this is referred to as either a type 12 or type 75 model. 
Picture
E 11 ALF Pumper
Picture
E 11 ALF apparatus with men of PFD Auxiliary Department (WW II)
February 12, 1965: Paterson purchased a new American LaFrance 90' AeroChief Snorkel and assigned it to Truck Company 3 at the Riverside-Eastside Firehouse on Lafayette Street. 
​
Picture
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Entry on inside cover of Truck 3's journal
In photos below, plywood riot roofs have been installed over the open cab (in 1968) ​
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
As a spare at Hillcrest Firehouse
January 24, 1978
Picture
Three new lime-yellow ALF on display at City Hall: Entering Cab is DC Edward McLaughlin on left and Mayor Pat Kramer on right. In the rear are Ed Conklin, Captain Earl Plavier, Captain James Tasca and Howard Morcom
Picture
Haycock Collection
January 24, 1978: A new 1977 American LaFrance 740 1250 GPM  pumper (Serial # CE175677) painted yellow was assigned to Engine Company 1, then located at Fire Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street. It had a distinctive ALF bell with Eagle above right front bumper, suction hose on the left (driver's) side and a single circular flashing light on the cab roof. It had a Detroit V6 with an Allison 6V71 transmission.

​Engine Company 1 went out of service on June 26 1981 and the pumper became a spare. It is the only 1977 ALF that had a clear globe (lens) over the spinning red roof light. This ALF apparatus then went to Engine Company 13 at the Lakeview Firehouse on July 1, 1982.  Shortly thereafter on September 13, 1982 Engine Company 13 went out of service but the company (and apparatus) was
renumbered as Engine Company 3, still located at Lakeview Firehouse. The pumper was painted white in June 1984. 
Picture
Engine 1 ALF (Serial CE175677) at fire scene
Picture
Engine 1 ALF (Serial CE175677)
Picture
Engine 1 ALF (Serial CE175677) exiting 115 Van Houten Street.
Picture
Engine 1 ALF (Serial CE175677)
Picture
Engine 1 ALF )(Serial CE175677) at April 1978 Fulton Street Fire
Picture
Pump panel (Apparatus at Van Houten Street)
Picture
Rear view (Apparatus at Van Houten Street)
Picture
At Madison Avenue Firehouse (Serial CE175677) Spare Apparatus
Picture
At Lakeview Firehouse on Trenton Avenue in 1983 (Serial CE175677)
Picture
At Lakeview Firehouse on Trenton Avenue (Serial CE175677)
PictureEngine 3 ALF (CE 175677) on apron at Lakeview Firehouse in 1983

​

Picture
Van Houten Street fire scene (Serial CE175677) - at this time running out of Lakeview FH.
Picture
ALF CE 175677 at Engine 3 in Lakeview Firehouse. Painted white 1984
Picture
View from the rear of ALF CE 175677 at Engine 3 in Lakeview Firehouse
Picture
ALF CE 175677
Picture
ALF CE 175677
Picture
ALF CE 175677 James Wensell Photo ~1980s
January 27, 1978: Another new 1977 American LaFrance 740 1250 GPM pumper (Serial # CE175678) painted yellow was received by Engine Company 3 at the Riverside Firehouse. Like its sister ALF apparatus at Engine Company 1, ALF CE175678, this pumper also had a distinctive ALF bell with Eagle above right front bumper, suction hose on the left (driver's) side and a single circular flashing light on the cab roof.   From 1984 to 1989 the apparatus saw service as Engine Company 2 at the Madison Avenue Firehouse. This pumper also had a Detroit V6, 6V71 Allison transmission.
Picture
E3 ALF CE175678 at Riverside FH with Truck 3 Seagrave
Picture
E3 ALF CE175678 at Fulton Street Fire 1978
Apparatus out of service for repair October 1982 until June 1983  (also painted white)
​On September 3, 1983, Engine Company 3 (and the ALF apparatus #CE175678) was renumbered as Engine Company 10 but still located at the Riverside Firehouse.
Picture
E10 ALF CE175678 at Riverside FH
Picture
E10 ALF CE175678 at Riverside FH
Picture
E10 ALF CE175678
Picture
E10 ALF CE175678 at 90th Anniversary Parade (Hancock Collection)
Picture
E10 ALF CE175678
Picture
E10 ALF CE175678
Picture
E10 ALF CE175678


​From December 3, 1984 to 1989 this apparatus saw service as Engine Company 2 at the Madison Avenue Firehouse. Notice the shape of the cab flashing light changed to a dome-shaped red cover.
Picture
Engine 2 ALF CE175678 at Madison Ave FH
Picture
Engine 2 ALF CE175678 in 1985 at Madison Avenue Firehouse
Picture
Picture
Picture
ALF CE175678 as Engine Company 2
Picture
ALF CE175678 as Engine Company 2
 January 27, 1978: A third new 1977 American LaFrance 1250 GPM pumper (Serial # CE175679) painted yellow was received by Engine Company 5 then located at Headquarters on 115 Van Houten Street. Like its sister ALF apparatus at Engine Company 1 and 3, ALF CE175677 and CE175678, this pumper also had a distinctive ALF bell with Eagle above right front bumper, suction hose on the left (driver's) side and a single circular flashing light on the cab roof. It also had a Detroit V6 with a 6V71 Allison Transmission, Shortly after being put in service,  on April 29, 1978 the new Company 5 apparatus was badly damaged at the Fulton Street fire. 
Picture
Damaged E5 ALF CE175679
Picture
Damaged E5 ALF CE175679
Picture
Rear view of damaged E5 ALF CE175679
​It took several years, but the pumper (CE175679) was ultimately refurbished as a Telesquirt and assigned to Engine Company 1 at Madison Avenue in 1982. Note that to accomodate the hose tower and ladder, there were now two new cab roof flashing lights which were rectangular shape.

Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (former E5) at Madison Avenue Firehouse October 1982
Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (former E5) at Madison Avenue Firehouse October 1982
Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (former E5) at Madison Avenue Firehouse October 1982
Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (former E5) at Madison Avenue Firehouse October 1982
Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (former E5) at Madison Avenue FH October 1982
Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (former E5) at Madison Avenue FH October 1982
Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (former E5) at Madison Avenue FH October 1982
Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (Hancock Collection)
Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (Hancock Collection)
Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (Hancock Collection)
Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (Hancock Collection)
Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (Natoli Collection)
Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (Natoli Collection)
Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (Natoli Collection)
Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (Natoli Collection)
Picture
1977 ALF CE175679 (Natoli Collection)
Picture
Engine 1 ALF CE175679 at Icy River Street Fire
In 1985 the 1977 ALF Telesquirt (Serial CE175679) was transferred to Engine 6 at Southside Firehouse where it remained until 1989.
Picture
1977 ALF Telesquirt conversion CE175679 at Engine Co 6: photo in lot across from firehouse
Picture
ALF Telesquirt conversion CE175679 at Engine Co 6 at Southside FH
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
ALF CE175679 at 90th Anniversary Parade (Hancock Collection)
Picture
ALF Telesquirt conversion CE175679 at Engine Co 6 at Southside FH
Picture
Picture
1977 ALF (? serial) now white and with dome shaped cab roof light and air horn
November 5, 1979: A new American LaFrance Century 1250 GPM pumper (Serial # CE6620)  painted yellow was received by Engine Company 5, then located at Headquarters on 15 Van Houten Street. Had Detroit in-line 6 motor and an Allison Transmission HT740D. It had a distinctive ALF bell with Eagle above right front bumper, a single circular flashing light on the cab roof but unlike the 1977 ALF pumpers had cabinets, not suction hose on the left (driver's side)of the apparatus
Picture
E5 ALF # CE6620 at Van Houten Street
Picture
E5 ALF # CE6620 at fire scene
November 5, 1979: A new American LaFrance 1250 GPM pumper (Serial # CE6621)  painted yellow was received by Engine Company 12, then located at 36 Circle Avenue. Had Detroit in-line 6 motor and an Allison Transmission HT740D and a characteristic ALF bell with Eagle finial above right front bumper, a single circular flashing light on the cab roof but unlike the 1977 ALF pumpers had cabinets, not suction hose on the left (driver's side) of the apparatus
Picture
E12 ALF CE6621 at Circle Avenue FH
Picture
E12 ALF CE6621 at Circle Avenue FH
Picture
E12 ALF CE6621 at Circle Avenue FH
Picture
E12 ALF CE6621 at Circle Avenue FH
Picture
E12 1979 ALF CE6621 at Circle Avenue FH
Picture
E12 1979 ALF CE6621 at Circle Avenue FH
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
​In September ​1982 Engine 12 was put out of service and renumbered as Engine Company 9, still using ALF #CE6621.
Picture
E9 ALF CE6621 at Circle Avenue FH
Picture
E9 ALF CE6621 at Circle Avenue FH
Picture
E9 ALF CE6621 at Circle Avenue FH
Picture
E9 ALF CE6621 (Natoli Collection)
Picture
E9 ALF CE6621 (Natoli Collection)
Picture
E9 ALF CE6621 (Natoli Collection)
Picture
E9 ALF CE6621 (Natoli Collection)
Picture
E9 ALF CE6621 (Natoli Collection)
Picture
1979 ALF (CE6612) at fire - unknown if it was E12 or E9 in this photo
August 2018 - ALF model built by Albert Alberti  1/25 scale
Picture
 ​The 1979 ALF pumper (CE 66220) which was originally assigned to Engine 5 was later converted to a Telesquirt and returned to service on December 3, 1984 at Engine 5 (at Riverside Firehouse). The original single flashing light on the cab roof was replaced by two circular (not rectangular) cab flashing lights, which created space for the tower to fit. It remained in service there until 1987. Airhorns were also added.
Picture
E5 ALF CE6620 Telesquirt conversion
Picture
CE 66220
Picture
E5 ALF CE6620 Telesquirt conversion
Picture
E5 ALF CE6620 Telesquirt conversion
Picture
E5 ALF CE6620 Telesquirt conversion
Picture
E5 ALF CE6620 Telesquirt conversion
1979 ALF (Serial #CE 66220) Telesquirt conversion last assignment was at Engine Company 3 at Lakeview Firehouse from 1989 to 1996.
Picture
1979 ALF (Serial #CE 66220) Telesquirt conversion
In September ​1982, Engine Company 12 was put out of service and renumbered as Engine Company 9, still using ALF #CE6621. It remained at the Circle Avenue firehouse.  In 1984 this pumper was sent out for conversion to a 55' (Reddi-Tower) Telesquirt. After restoration the apparatus, now painted white returned from factory in 1985 marked as Engine Company 9 (see photo below).  In fact it never saw service as Engine 9 because due to structural issues the Circle Avenue Firehouse could no longer accomodate such a heavy apparatus and the pumper being used by Engine 9 had relocated to 77 Highland Street, a old firehouse that also could not accommodate a Telesquirt.  The Telesquirt with the E9 markings actually participated in the 90th Anniversary parade (see photo below). The Telesquirt (ALF CE6621) was then (1985) sent to Engine 8 at Hillcrest Firehouse on Union Avenue. Note the cab roof now had two flashing lights but no airhorns.
Picture
1979 ALF CE6621 converted to Telesquirt in 1985 and labeled as but never assigned to E9
Picture
ALF CE6621 Telesquirt in 1985 in 90th Anniversary Parade - saw duty as E8
Picture
Telesquirt at Engine Company 8 on Union Ave (Hillcrest FH); 1979 ALF CE6621
Picture
At 1991 Meyer's Brothers General Alarm fire: 1979 ALF CE6621
Picture
Engine 8 Telesquirt at Hillcrest Firehouse: 1979 ALF CE6621
1985: the three ALF Squirts in PFD's 90th Anniversary Parade 
Picture
Antonio DeFranco photo
1977 - 1979 ALF pumper summary:
          1977 ALF (serial CE1756770     Never converted to Telesquirt
​          1977 ALF (serial CE175678)     Never converted to Telesquirt
​          1977 ALF (serial CE 175679)    Damaged at Fulton Street - Converted to Telesquirt

          1979 ALF (serial CE6620)         Converted to Telesquirt
​          1979 ALF (serial CE6621)         Converted to Telesquirt
November 13, 1981: Truck Company 2 at 115 Van Houten Street receives a new American LaFrance Aero Chief 100' rear-mount aerial painted yellow (Serial # 7254). 

June 28, 1982: W
hen the Van Houten Street quarters closes​ Truck 2 ALF relocates to the Hillcrest Firehouse for a two month period (June 28-September). 

​
Picture
Drill prior to entering service
Apparatus shown above and below drilling at Southside Firehouse prior to entering service -  it still had not received PFD insignias on door.
Picture
ALF Aerochief Serial 7254
Picture
Picture
Picture
ALF Aerochief Serial 7254
Picture
Original all yellow apparatus that served at 115 Van Houten Street Serial #7254
June 28, 1982: When the Van Houten Street quarters closes​ Truck 2 ALF relocates to the Hillcrest Firehouse for a two month period (June 28-September). 

​September 3, 1982:
the truck is renumbered as Truck 1 and relocated to the Madison Avenue firehouse.
Picture
1982 - as Truck 1 at Madison Avenue Firehouse Serial #7254
Picture
1981 - as Truck 1 at Madison Avenue Firehouse Serial #7254
Picture
1981 - as Truck 1 at Madison Avenue Firehouse
Picture
1981 - as Truck 1 at Madison Avenue Firehouse
May 14, 1985: The cab was painted white and but the rear was left as yellow (due to cost)
​September 3, 1985: Transferred to Hillcrest Firehouse
Picture
Picture
Picture
Hillcrest Firehouse 1985 - cab now painted white -- Serial #7254
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Hillcrest Firehouse ALF Aerochief Serial #7254
Picture
Hillcrest Firehouse Cab closeup
Picture
June 24, 1985 Main Street fire
Picture
Two toned version at Madison Ave 1994 Fire Serial #7254
Proudly powered by Weebly
  • HOME
  • OVERVIEW
    • EVENTS 1890-1899
    • EVENTS 1900-1910
    • EVENTS 1911-1919
    • EVENTS 1920-1939
    • EVENTS 1940-1959
    • EVENTS 1960-1979
    • EVENTS 1980-99
    • EVENTS > 2000
  • FIREFIGHTERS
  • THE SUPREME SACRFICE
  • CHIEF ENGINEERS
    • ASSISTANT CHIEFS
    • DEPUTY CHIEFS
    • BATTALION CHIEFS
    • CHIEF GIGS
  • NOTABLE FIRES
  • GREAT 1902 CONFLIGRATION
  • EMS
    • EMS ROSTER
  • FIRE PHOTOS BY ERA
  • FIREHOUSE PHOTOS / FACTS
  • COMPANY FH LOCATIONS
  • APPARATUS
  • APPARATUS VIDEOS
  • FIRE VIDEOS 1991-2011
  • FIRE VIDEOS 2014-2019
  • DOCUDRAMAS
  • NOTABLE EVENTS INDEX
    • APPARATUS NOTABLES
    • APPTS & PROMOTIONS
    • AWARDS
    • FIREMEN STORIES
    • 1960 CHIEF SELECTION
    • GRAND STREET RIOT 1917
    • GROUND ZERO
    • HANCOCKS
    • HISTORICAL REVIEWS
    • HISTORY by CHIEF STAGG
    • KEARNEY-FAMILY
    • MILITARY
    • PARADES
    • RED MASS
    • RESCUES
    • SISTER LORETTA
    • SPORTS
    • THEATRE DETAIL
  • MEMORABILIA
  • DEPARTMENT DOGS
  • TRAINING
  • VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
    • 1821 - 1854 HISTORY
    • VOLUNTEER HISTORY
    • ANNUAL REPORTS
    • VOLUNTEER CHIEFS
    • VOLUNTEER PROFILES
    • VOLUNTEER COMPANIES
  • COMMUNICATIONS / FA
    • FIRE BOX LISTS
    • EVRS STATION LIST
  • EXEMPT ASSOCIATION
  • EXEMPT HOME & RELICS
  • FMBA / PFA
  • AUXILIARY FIRE DEPARTMENT
  • STATISTICS
  • CITY OF PATERSON
  • ORAL HISTORY
  • PFH CONTRIBUTORS
  • CONTACT
  • 1909 BALL BOOK
  • 1916 BALL BOOK