Franklin Park Page 7

Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company No.l
1 9 2 2 - 1 9 9 7
75th Anniversary
1980s
In May 1980, the new Mack Pumper-Tanker was delivered, and a month later the company purchased a GMC cab and chassis from Wright Pontiac for a future field fire truck. When the truck's specifications were completed, the membership authorized a contract to build and complete the new truck for $23,900. The radio was added for $1,851.
1980 GMC FIELD FIRE TRUCK
In September, a committee was appointed to set up qualifications for line officers; they were subsequently adopted by the membership at the November meeting.

The building received some well-deserved attention in 1980. A fire alarm and sprinkler system were installed in the downstairs recreation room, and a smoke detection system was installed in the upstairs hall. The Ladies Auxiliary furnished new drapes for all the windows in the upstairs hall, and a picnic pavilion was built by the members on the back property.

In September 1981, the mortgage on the building was paid in full to the Firemen's Relief Association.
REBUILT 1959 MACK
TANKER
-2,500 GALLON TANK
By 1982, the 1959 Mack Tanker was showing signs of wear so the engine was overhauled, the body was removed and a new 2,500 gallon tank and pump were installed. All of the labor, with the exception of the fabrication of the tank, was done by the members. The Ladies Auxiliary donated the cost of the tank and a small plaque was placed on the side of the truck in recognition of their valuable contribution. The many hours contributed to the project saved the company a considerable amount of money.

In 1983, the company authorized the purchase of new, yellow, all-weather bunker suits for the company's Fire Police to make them more visible while on traffic details.

The hall received some technological improvements. A new public address system was purchased for the upstairs hall. The Ladies Auxiliary contributed a new stainless steel hood, exhaust fan and fire extinguishing system for the upstairs kitchen. A new Cascade System was purchased to fill air bottles for the air masks. In addition, the company began replacing the home radio alarm system with six new portable pager units at a cost of $2,514.

The ever growing radio system required that a new position be created; that of Communications Officer The company purchased a new Lukas Rescue Tool, known as the "Jaws of Life" for $10,900. This tool has proved invaluable when extracting victims
at the scene of automobile accidents.
REBUILT 1969 WARD
LAFRANCE PUMPER
- 1,000 GPM PUMP
- 1,000 GALLON TANK
In 1985, a truck committee was appointed to determine the fate of the 1969 Ward LaFrance -- either it had to be rebuilt or the company needed to buy a replacement. The committee recommended that the pumper be rebuilt. Work was to include a completely new aluminum cab, body, steel tank, new transmission, and drive shaft for approximately $60,000. A new pumper would have cost $112,000.

A new rescue class ran nine weeks -- three hours each evening -- and was conducted by a state certified instructor. Eventually, 31 members completed the classes and were awarded certificates.

In 1986, the Ward LaFrance pumper was placed back in service after a complete overhaul of the chassis and a new body was added. Additional portable pager units were purchased, with some placed in service by the Fire Police to help them maintain proper communications during emergency operations. A hazardous materials course was introduced in the fall, and almost 30 members completed the program with a better understanding of the risks and proper procedures essential for this type of emergency.

And throughout the years, the fire police continued their tradition of patrolling the Borough on Halloween night and arranging for Santa Claus to ride on the fire trucks
-- delivering Christmas treats to the borough's young children.
PRIDE OF THE COMPANY 1985
During 1987, the members focused their attention on upgrading the emergency power systems for the main hall, as well as other improvements to the building and property. Discussions were begun in earnest regarding the future expansion of the company to better serve the borough. With the population of the borough reaching 10,000, in addition to the new housing subdivisions springing up everywhere, the subject of expansion was a key item that resurfaced for the next several years.
In 1988, continuing to upgrade the rental hall, members installed new wallpaper and ceiling tile in the original hall, as well as installed a used 31-kw natural gas power plant to supply emergency electricity to the entire building during temporary power failures. That year, new bunker gear -- firefighting clothing -- was purchased for all active fire members and the 1962 International Pumper was sold to the Winn Community VFD in Alabama for $12,000.
To better serve the northern part of the borough, a new substation on Brandt School Road was proposed with the McCandless/Franklin Park Ambulance Authority, but the idea was abandoned in response to opposition from area residents.
To improve communications among the membership, the company replaced the Plectron alarm system in January 1989 with portable pagers for all active members. Improvements included a new portable electric generator enabling the squad truck to supply flood lights for emergencies. Before the end of the year, the truck committee completed specifications for a new pumper.

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