09/01/2026
L-81 was the 14th ladder truck deliverd to the FDNY, in 1972.
After serving as L-81 on Staten Island, it was sold to the Warren Township Indiana FD, refurbed and painted yellow...it then served on for years more.
The rig, then went on to be privately owned until ending up on a used car lot in Elgin, Illinois..after languishing there it ended up parked in the South West Suburbs of Chicago.
One day, I got a call from a friend that works for the Sutphen dealer....he asked me if I was interested in the cab, as they were cutting the rig up and that's all that was left. I was like sure.....
After I got the rig home, it was discovered it was former FDNY L-81 by spec and job number....so then I decided it had to go back, like the other three.....in honor of those that died on 911.....
I have a go fund me page set up this time to offset some of the costs.. so even a couple of bucks would be great.....
Three others have been returned since 911-01. L-169... L-140...and L-125 in that order.....each have their own story.
A great piece of history to be returned to honor those that were murdered that day.
Present day: All the wiring is done and she's inching closer to being returned to Staten Island on the 8th of September......thanks to to all who have helped out...to get at least part of her back home!
~ John Tonin
