07/02/2024
Before and After - hard tops were added to many open cab fire apparatus including those in the . . . . In the mid-1960’s, major cities throughout the nation experienced episodes of violent civil unrest. Riots and the resulting fires severely overtaxed fire departments, but worse, firefighters and their apparatus became targets. Fire apparatus were bombarded with bricks, bottles, fire bombs and gunshots. Firefighters were killed and injured.
Most apparatus in service at the time were open-cab models, with equipment carried on running boards and other exposed locations, available for rapid use. Inner-city fire companies reacted by constructing makeshift cabs, roof enclosures over the back steps, enclosed tiller seats and even individual personnel enclosures that resembled telephone booths on the apparatus. Some strange-looking apparatus resulted. These events, more than any other single factor, led to the design of crew cabs, where all firefighters rode in enclosed positions, and compartmentation, to carry all tools inside locked compartments. thanks to Ray Silva for the photo!