Undercliff VFC History Series - #3
This week on the History of Undercliff VFC series, we'll look at the first vehicles in the Undercliff fleet. This will be a three part series so stay tuned for the next series! Today we will look at the era from 1909 to 1960s. Undercliff VFC has always had a history of purchasing best in class fire equipment. Even back to our beginning days, our founders always put membership safety and the safety of the community first. Lets look back at how our fleet all started!
In the early 1900's shortly after Undercliff VFC began to organize, the fire company operated as a bucket brigade for it's first few years. This was until the Etna Volunteer Fire Department donated it's old hose cart to Undercliff VFC, which would ultimately become our first fire truck (sadly no known pictures exist of this). This was a hand drawn hose cart outfitted with fire firefighting equipment for the time period.
As the roaring 20's rolled around Undercliff VFC continued to grow and expand. In 1923, we purchased our first brand new American LaFrance motorized fire engine. This fire engine would service the community into the late 1930's. Then in 1939, a Buffalo Quad fire engine was purchased as a necessary upgrade for the time and one of the best vehicles out there. Continuing with upgrades and expansion ,seven years later in 1942, we purchased an International "Emergency Car" vehicle which would service as a support vehicle on calls. As the 1950's approached, and fire apparatus continued to evolve, it was determined a more modern pumper was needed. As such, we purchased a 1955 International Fire Pumper which would serve for many years.
Moving into the 1960's, Shaler Township continued to grow and expand. The population was getting bigger and so were the buildings. That's when our members decided once again it was time to improve our companies service capabilities. So in 1960, we purchased 65 foot International Ladder Truck (Quint), becoming the first truck company in Shaler Township. Something we have prided ourselves on for years! Finally in 1966, we purchased International Squad Fire/Rescue Unit to replace the old "Emergency Car" vehicle. This four-wheel drive vehicle was unique in that it could drive and pump at the same time and also carried various rescue equipment for vehicle crashes. These vehicle would serve proudly into the 1970s, which we will look at in the next session!
We are so proud of our roots here at Undercliff VFC. It's important to look back and remember where you came from so we can continue to better ourselves for tomorrow. Be sure to check back for the next session when we talk about the 1970s!