Phoenixville Fire Department Remembers Old Apparatus, Bought In 1949

PHOENIXVILLE, PA -- The Phoenixville Fire Department recently shared a photograph of one its old fire trucks, purchased on their 75th anniversary.

The Mack Trucks Type 45 Fire Apparatus was purchased 67 years ago in 1949:

It was equipped with a 500 gallon per minute pump, a 200 gallon booster tank, a 1500 watt electric generator, two large flood lights, an acetylene outfit, pyrene hip pack and other standard equipment. This pumper was delivered on July 1st and housed by the Kennett Fire Company No. 1 later that month in a simple housing ceremony. This unit remained in active fire service until the early 1970's when the hose bed was removed and the truck was primarily used for hauling equipment. Wood benches were also added to the rear of the truck to allow it to be used for giving fire truck rides at the annual Phoenixville Dogwood Festival.

In 1976, the department said they sold the truck to the Phoenix Steel Company for $500. They Company used it as a utility truck.

Image courtesy Phoenixville Fire Department.