Apparatus Judging

One of the chapters ‘main event’ of the year is to hold it’s muster. Members apparatus, other privately owned apparatus, fire department apparatus all gather to be put through their paces. There can be contests, competitions, pumping or just static displays. Each chapter is different and essentially runs their own event as they see fit. […]

Crown Firecoach Serial and Vehicle Identification Numbers

By Mike Britt, CFE President and Historian The serial number for a Crown Firecoach is often referred to as the “F-number” because the 4-digit serial number Crown used was preceded by the letter “F” (for Firecoach). The “F-number” was the only Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for all Crown Fire coaches until January 1 of 1981, […]

Don’t Mix Lubricants

The real title of this article was “When in Doubt . . . Don’t Mix Bearing Lubricants.” The original three-page article was written by John Rumierz and was printed in the August, 2000, issue of Plant Engineering. John listed three key concepts; I am going to cover two or them: • Do not relubricate bearings […]

Fire Extinguishers

SPAAMFAA Form # SP-04, Minimum Safety Guidelines for Apparatus Operation, Page 1, #6, states “Each motorized apparatus shall have readily available, a modern type fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 10 BC that is in serviceable condition.” by standards to be stated on the printed nomenclature affixed to the extinguisher. The rating and the […]

“STOP! Think Before you Put Your Car (or Fire Apparatus) Under Plastic”

The following was in the January, 2003, issue of Skinned Knuckles. How you store a vehicle is critical to its well-being. Storage under plastic sheeting is a particularly bad idea. The same feature of plastic that protects things from falling rain and dust traps moisture that rises from the ground. Unless a vehicle is parked […]

Winterizing your Car

Unfortunately summer is over and with that, the end of muster season for most of us. I found this article from the Hagerty Newsletter to assist you in storing your vehicle safely for the winter. This should help making it easier come spring time to get back on the road again and enjoying Family, Fun […]